It has been a slow and steady grind but Sam Reid can see the light at the end of the injury tunnel.

Reid has been on the mend since tweaking his hamstring in last month’s intra-club, missing all three of the Swans’ NAB Challenge matches.

The big man remains in doubt for next week’s blockbuster against Collingwood as the medicos take a conservative approach to Reid’s recovery.

Despite the setback Reid is confident of having an impact during the early part of the season.

“I’m slowly getting there,” he said.

“We’re taking our time with it and trying not to rush as the last thing I want to do is go back to square one and have to do all the work again.

“We’ll be cautious and make sure it’s 100 per cent before we get into it.”

Heeney eyes midfield move

Missing the past month of match practice has been a setback for the 24-year-old’s 2016 preparations.

Reid would have been aiming high after a strong showing in the second half of last season, but he’s has had a rough time of it since tearing his hamstring in the semi-final against Fremantle.

“It’s not the best preparation and it’s frustrating as you can’t really practice any game-day things that you’ve worked on all pre-season,” Reid added.

“And in terms of match fitness, it’s hard to replicate that. You can do all the running you want but as soon as there’s a footy and an opposition involved the intensity kicks up a level.

“I’ll be aiming to pick up where I left off over the next couple of weeks to give myself the best possible chance for when I do come back in.

“It’s about doing as much work as you can in rehab and out on the field, trying to get to a level good enough that you’re able to compete at the highest level.”

When it does eventually happen the plan looks to have already been mapped out with coach John Longmire keen to play Reid forward.

Reid played at both ends of the ground last season, floating back during periods to help out in defence as well as having an impact up forward in the absence of Lance Franklin.

While he’s “always open to being the swing man”, all indications point to Reid providing an avenue to goal in season 2016.

“I’ve been training as a forward, sitting in the forward meetings and working with Brett Kirk a lot so my expectation is that I’ll be a forward,” he said.

“But saying that I’m aware, if need be, I could be thrown somewhere else.”

Buy your tickets for our blockbuster against Collingwood at the SCG on March 26 today!