Don't miss any of the news involving the Swans as we bring you everything from the newspapers around the country on Wednesday 26th August, 2015.

A THREE week injury break late in the season isn’t perfect but Lance Franklin believes the two remaining home-and-away games will be all he needs to tune up ahead of the AFL finals.

A double injury involving a torn back muscle and damaged rib cartilage has kept Franklin out of action for four of the last five matches.

But after a frustrating month, he is making big strides towards a return to action this week against St Kilda.

The star forward yesterday put in his strongest performance on the track in a month, completing all of the main training session at the SCG.

“It’s good to get out there and blow the cobwebs out and hopefully have a good session again on Friday and get into St Kilda on Sunday,” Franklin told The Daily Telegraph.

Lance Franklin completed a high-intensity training session on Tuesday and has given himself every chance of playing in this weekend's clash with St Kilda – a side midfielder Harry Cunningham believes has been "flying under the radar".

Franklin, who is battling a back injury, was monitored closely by Sydney officials as he began some light kicking before moving onto running – done at about 80 per cent – and even minor contact with teammates.

Gary Rohan, Tom Mitchell and Ben McGlynn were also getting kilometres into their legs at training on Tuesday at the SCG. A decision will be made on Wednesday as to whether they return to the starting line-up for Sunday's game.

Cunningham kicked with Franklin at different times during training, and said the possible inclusion of the star forward as well as other returning players was a big boost.

"He [Franklin] has done a full session today and he looked pretty good out there, so it's a step in the right direction," Cunningham said.

"The eight-day break will definitely help us and a couple of the other injured boys had a run around today, which is good news for the team, and hopefully they pull up well later in the week."

After a month of uncertainty, the injury cloud is finally lifting over Lance Franklin, who is closing in on a return on Sunday.

It was an excellent weekend for Sydney, who are in the box seat to claim the all-important fourth spot, and there could be more reason for joy in the coming days with Franklin among several key players in the frame to face St Kilda. Gary Rohan, Tom Mitchell and Ben McGlynn are also in contention to return from injury.

With only two rounds left until finals, the Swans are in a delicate position where they must balance the need to get match practice into their injured stars without taking undue risks over their fitness. The Swans are also aware a shock loss, to the Saints or Gold Coast, would see them tumble out of the top four.

Another consideration will be making sure they do not bring too many players back in the one week. Franklin has missed four of the past five games, Rohan has lined up just once since the start of July while McGlynn has played three games in almost three months.

"We've got a few blokes who have missed a bit of footy we'd like to get some football into them and most importantly to try and help us win this week," Swans coach John Longmire said.

St Kilda small forward Adam Schneider will line up for his final AFL match against former club Sydney this weekend after announcing his retirement.

The 31-year-old veteran has played 227 games and kicked 257 goals during a stellar 13-year career at both the Saints and the Swans.

He will fittingly bid his farewell to the sport against his old team at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

"I've been very fortunate to have represented two great clubs throughout my time in football," Schneider said. "I've had some fantastic experiences, met a lot of wonderful people and am extremely grateful to have had the career I have had."