Dan Hannebery has taken a step forward in his recovery from an ankle injury, with the Sydney Swans midfielder expected to resume running by the end of the week.

Hannebery, who suffered a syndesmosis injury in the Swans’ clash with Port Adelaide two weeks ago, spent the last week on crutches and was unable to take part in any weight-bearing exercise.

Speaking to SwansTV for the HCF Injury Update, club physiotherapist Tim Needham said Hannebery was now back on his feet and would be stepping up his training this week.

“Dan is actually improving and he’s off the crutches and has been upping his fitness work downstairs in the gym,” he said.

“Hopefully he’ll be running by the end of the week.”

Needham also confirmed that Rhyce Shaw, who is also battling a syndesmosis injury, is tracking a week behind Hannebery and remains on crutches this week.

In other injury news, Gary Rohan has been cleared to play this weekend after suffering a heavy knock in the first half of the Swans reserves clash with UWS.

Fellow young Swans Harrison Marsh (hamstring) and Xavier Richards (hip) will also both be chances to play in the reserves’ clash with Ainslie at Wollongong’s North Dalton Park on Sunday.

“Harry is going really well and will train tomorrow and will most likely play on Sunday,” Needham said.

“Xavier will hopefully be full-training by the end of the week and is also a chance to play this week.”