“He’s obviously disappointed to be out of the game,” Gardiner said. “We’re very concerned about him, but he’s feeling OK and recovering well. We’ll take every precaution with him. It’s very early, but hopefully he recovers from it and gets back out there (in the coming weeks).”

Paddy McCartin was concussed during what seemed an innocuous scramble with Port Adelaide’s Todd Marshall as both players lay on the ground attempting to gather the ball on the Members’ wing.

The Swans defender grabbed the left side of his head after it made contact with the ground and lay rolling from side to side until helped up by trainers and supported from the ground. He was subbed out immediately and replaced by Robbie Fox.

The No.1 draft choice with St Kilda in 2014, Paddy McCartin suffered eight concussions during five years at the club with the last of those concussions in March 2019. He missed three years of football before joining the Swans.

Saturday night’s result leaves the Swans and Port Adelaide with two wins apiece from four matches.

In a high-pressure match of modest continuity it was no surprise that Port started to work their way back into the game as the Swans struggled to balance their defence.

The Swans were 25 points in front 13 minutes into the second term before Port kicked their first goal, but the visitors were in front before half-time, with four consecutive goals.

And nine minutes into the final term the Swans were 20 points in front but were run down late in the game, only to hit the front again and then lose the lead when Jeremy Finlayson kicked his third goal.

Former Swans defender Aliir Aliir was exceptional in defence for Port, frustrating Sydney’s attacks and keeping Lance Franklin goalless.

It was a telling contest because the Swans went inside their 50-metre arc 22 more times than Port but were unable to convert.

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