Swatton copped a heavy knock to the face against the Storm and will undergo surgery this week.

“It’s unfortunate for Joel because he was playing some good footy,’’ South Bendigo co-coach Peter Tyack said.

“He might get back towards the end of the year.”

Tyack expects classy forward Ash Morris to play against Sandhurst this Saturday.

With South Bendigo enjoying a weekend off, the Bloods cleared Morris back to his home club Deniliquin so he could play for the Rams.

Morris kicked one goal in the Rams’ 32-point win over Tongala.

Tyack said Deniliquin will clear Morris back to the Bloods this week.

The bottom of the table Bloods need Morris in their side against the league-leading Dragons.

The Bloods have been rocked by injuries of late and can’t afford to lose a player of Morris’ class.

On top of Swatton’s absence, Luke Sweeney (collarbone), Nick Howe (ankle) and Justin Bice (hamstring) will remain on the sidelines this weekend.

Michael Tonkin (shoulder) is some chance to return to the senior side.

“There were some positive signs against the Storm,’’ Tyack said.

“They ran over the top of us in the end, but our first half was pretty good.

“The boys enjoyed the weekend off and we’re looking forward to getting back into it.

“We’ve got a tough couple of weeks ahead against Sandhurst and Golden Square, but the boys are up and about.”

The remaining two games this Saturday are Castlemaine hosting Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat travels to Maryborough.