Kurt Tippett has received positive news on the injury front, with AFL club Sydney upbeat the battling big man will train and play this week.
Tippett was dropped after an underwhelming performance against Hawthorn in round 10, the in-form Swans' most recent loss. He hasn't been sighted at AFL level since.
A persistent ankle injury has denied the ruck-forward a chance of stating his case for a recall in recent weeks.
Tippett turned out for the Swans' seconds last Saturday but played no part in the second half because of a tight groin.
"There is nothing too serious at this stage after having our injury clinic this morning. We will assess him as the week goes on but we expect him to train and play," Swans head of football Tom Harley said.
Tippett has endured a horrid run with injuries since joining the Swans as a star signing in 2012. He is approaching the end of his fifth season at the SCG but has only played 70 games for Sydney.
Swans coach John Longmire may be tempted to rush Tippett back into the seniors, especially if key forward Sam Reid misses Saturday's SCG clash with St Kilda.
However, the expectation is Tippett will instead feature at NEAFL level again.
Reid will also be closely monitored by the Swans this week, having been restricted by a tight groin in the side's impressive derby win over Greater Western Sydney.
"He was limited in what he could do out on the field ... we will test him a bit earlier in the week to make a definitive call about his status for this weekend," Harley said.
Meanwhile, the Swans have re-signed young defender Lewis Melican on a three-year deal.
Former rookie Melican has been one of the club's great success stories this season, missing just one game after making his debut in round five.
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