Swans coach John Longmire says he’s looking forward to a big year from co-captain Jarrad McVeigh.

McVeigh remains on a modified training program after having post-season knee surgery, and took a big step on the road to recovery last week when he resumed running.

Speaking to radio station SEN on Tuesday, Longmire said he’s optimistic the Swans veteran will be back to his peak in no time.

“He’s running now and we don’t know whether he will be right for round one, but most importantly we still expect he will have a strong season so that’s what we’ll set him up for,” Longmire said.

“I know everyone gets caught up on the early part of the season, and we’re certainly hopeful that will be the case and he’ll be ready to go, but if not we want to set him up for a really strong year.”

McVeigh, a veteran of 266 games, has shared the captaincy duties for the past five seasons, initially with Adam Goodes and most recently with Kieran Jack.

Longmire says the leadership group will be looked at during the Swans’ pre-season training camp, which kicks off in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday afternoon.

“They’ve (McVeigh and Jack) been terrific as far as leading this footy club, but we’ll have a discussion with our leadership group and make the decision in a few weeks time,” Longmire said.

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