Exactly when Sydney defender Michael Talia resumes his senior career remains uncertain but he is nearing the end of a strong pre-season.
 
Swans coach John Longmire told AFL.com.au that form and the needs of the team would determine when Talia was selected.
 
"We don't know when he will play yet," Longmire said.
 
"That will depend on what our list is looking like [and] form but he has done all the training."
 
Talia received a good behaviour bond, but avoided a conviction, after pleading guilty to cocaine possession in August last year.
 
The club imposed a sanction on the 24-year-old who had played just one game with the Swans after being traded from the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2015.
 
Longmire said Talia knew what was required to re-establish himself in the line-up and it wasn't complicated.
 
"[He must] be consistent in everything he does and follow through with what he says he is going to do," Longmire said.
 
"It's fairly simple."
 
Longmire conceded progress had taken time but the club was comfortable with where it was at.
 
"He's still getting there. I don't think that is unexpected either. It's something he still needs to keep working on and being consistent at," Longmire said.
 
Talia played 30 games in four seasons with the Western Bulldogs before being traded and has shown an ability to play as a third tall defender.