Sydney Swans ruckman Kurt Tippet has one last hurdle to cross before being given the all-clear to return to play.
Tippett hasn’t played since Round 12, after injuring his semitendinosus tendon in the match against the Giants.
General Manager of Football Tom Harley says Tippett is looking good but needs to get through training later in the week.
“He’s now trained for a week-and-a-half and he got through today’s session well,” Harley said.
“The ultra-conservative person in me says he’s got to get through Thursday, but all things are looking good for Kurt and he’s available, so we’ll wait and see how the team pans out on Thursday.”
Fellow big man Callum Sinclair is increasing his training load as he recovers from knee surgery, while Sam Reid is off crutches after undergoing surgery on Saturday but it remains unclear if he will play this season.
Meanwhile Irishman Colin O’Riordan suffered a punctured lung playing for the Swans NEAFL team against the NT Thunder.
Harley says O’Riordan remains in Darwin and it’s unclear when he will return to Sydney.
“He’s as tough as old boots Colin, but it’s a pretty significant injury,” Harley said.
“To make matters worse, and I’m sure Colin sees the silver lining in this, he can’t fly out of Darwin so we’re looking at an exit strategy for him.
“Options range from staying up there to getting in a car and driving back for four days, so either way he’s going to have a hell of a story!”