Dane Rampe, Isaac Heeney and Sam Reid are among the big names that will be looking for some important game time during the Marsh Community Series after modified pre-season training programs.
The Swans kick off their pre-season campaign on Saturday afternoon when they take on GWS at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Executive General Manager of Football Charlie Gardiner said a decision was yet to be made on whether Rampe (calf) would take his place in the side to face the Giants.
“We are hopeful Dane can play some minutes this weekend, we haven’t made a final call on whether he will play this weekend,” Gardiner said.
“If he does play it will be reduced minutes as he has been managing a calf injury and has missed some training over the last three or four weeks.
“He is now back in full training so we just need to work out what is best for his preparation leading into Round 1.”
Heeney (thumb) and Reid have also been on modified programs in recent weeks but are expected to increase their workload this week.
“Isaac has been able to train fully through that period with no contact and limited ball work,” Gardiner said.
“We are expecting to get him back in the next week and hopefully see him in the Marsh Series because he should be fit and ready to go in a week or two.”
“Sam has had an interrupted pre-season with some injuries and has been limited in the amount if training he has been able to do to date.”
“We will push to see him to play some minutes before Round 1 but we will just have to see how he goes.”
Lance Franklin (knee) took positive steps in his chances of a return to football this week as he began running again following surgery on his knee.
“Lance has knee surgery post Christmas to clean up the knee and he is now six weeks post operation and has just started running,” Gardiner said.
“We will look to get a solid training block into him and get him up and going as quickly as possible.”
Defender Lewis Melican shouldn’t be kept down too long, after a strong pre-season the young defender suffered a hamstring strain during training three weeks ago.
“He was training really well, looking fit and preparing really well for the season so he has had a bit of a setback,” Gardiner said.
“He is still a few weeks away from resuming full training but he is progressing nicely and hopefully he can regain some of his pre-season form because he was looking good.”
