SYDNEY forward Kurt Tippett has escaped bone damage to his left ankle, but will have scans to assess the extent of the injury he suffered against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

Swans coach John Longmire told reporters after his team's 23-point loss that Tippett had suffered ligament damage after landing awkwardly as he clutched a strong mark midway through the first quarter.

The key forward was unable to take his kick and left the ground without returning. 

Five talking points: Western Bulldogs v Sydney

The Swans were concerned Tippett had broken his fibula in the incident, but their fears were soon allayed. 

"There's no break there so that's a good sign, so they're just looking at the ligament damage now," Longmire said.

"(It was) obviously not ideal losing him so early, but the good thing is there's no break there, from what I hear."

Tippett's injury is a blow for the Swans, who entered Friday night's clash with the premiers already missing three of their top four goalkickers from last season through injury. 

Adding to Sydney's woes, Zak Jones was reported for a hard hit on Travis Cloke in a first-quarter marking contest. 

Jones was charged with rough conduct but he did not appear to make head-high contact with Cloke in the incident. 

The Western Bulldog was also able to get to his feet relatively quickly and goaled after receiving a free kick and 50m penalty.

Longmire was tight-lipped when asked for his take on Jones' report. 

"I'm not talking about that one because I can't talk about it, because I don't think that's the right thing to do for a coach," he said. 

"But we came into the game needing to win our 50-50 footys. 

"He's a young player and I thought he had a real go in general. That particular contest is not for me to comment (on)."