Lance Franklin will undergo a final fitness test on Thursday to determine his availability for the Swans’ Round 19 clash with Geelong.

Franklin, who has never played at Kardinia Park, faces the prospect of missing two games in the space of three weeks with a back complaint originally suffered on the eve of the Swans’ encounter with West Coast a fortnight ago.

Despite kicking three goals in his return against the Crows last weekend, Franklin played through discomfort and had a lighter session on Tuesday to try and recover ahead of Saturday night’s clash at Simonds Stadium.

General Manager of Football Tom Harley said the Club’s coaching and fitness staff will have a closer look during Thursday’s training session to determine whether Franklin will be fit to play against the Cats.

“It’s fair to say he’s still sore,” Harley said for this this week’s HCF Injury Update.

“John Longmire spoke after last weekend’s game of Lance’s efforts to get up and play. Not only did he play but contributed and helped us win the game so that shows the competitive nature of Buddy.

“We’ll wait and see how we go…he’s a chance to play but I guess there are a few hoops he’ll need to go through over the next day or so.”

Harley drew a figurative red line through Mike Pyke’s name as the ruckman continues to battle the same knee complaint which has hampered his form and continuity in recent weeks.

Pyke has managed just three games in the past six weeks.

“Pykey won’t play this week,” Harley added. “He’s managing that, he’s the ultimate professional…he knows his body as well as anyone. What we can say if there’s a player who will do everything in his power to get up, it’s Mike.

It’s good news for a couple of the former long-termers with speedster Gary Rohan edging closer to a return from a hamstring tear while first-year rookie Lewis Melican is back to full fitness after recovering from groin issues.

Melican has played just the single NEAFL match after battling ongoing concerns.