Sydney Swans big man Kurt Tippett is taking a conservative approach to his rehabilitation from surgery to repair a hamstring tendon.

The 203cm big man has been sidelined for the last month since sustaining the injury against Greater Western Sydney in Round 12.

Tippett begun running on Monday as he continues to increase his workload following surgery.

Speaking to 3AW football ahead of Thursday night’s match against Hawthorn Tippett said he remained confident of a return for finals.

“I started running on grass on Monday so we are just taking those little steps forward,” he said.

“It is one of those ones that you can’t really rush and we need to be really steady because the physios tell me that any little setback can set you back a long way.”

“There is then a risk of not being back in time for any footy at the end of the year.”

Tippett said he was not rushing a return with his focus playing some football again this season.

“That is the plan, that is what we are working towards,” he said.

“I am going along gradually and taking those little steps at the moment.

 “In saying that we have to take it pretty conservatively as we don’t want to push this one, go over the top and then risk not coming back at all.”