Sydney coach John Longmire will consider rushing Kurt Tippett back into the senior side if Sam Reid doesn't get up for Saturday's clash with St Kilda.
Tippett has largely overcome the groin tightness that forced him to sit out the second half of his reserves return last weekend.
The big man is expected to line up in the NEAFL again but, should a similar ailment rule out key forward Reid, he's a chance of a first AFL appearance in seven weeks as the resurgent Swans aim for a 10th win in 11 games.
"It's an option for us," Longmire said before training on Thursday.
"Whether Sam plays or not we'll find out with training. He's a bit better than what I thought he'd be, which is a good sign for him.
"We've got Kurt and Callum Sinclair as well, so we've got a couple of options there if we need."
Reid has been closely monitored all week after struggling with restricted movement in the Swans' 13-point derby triumph over Greater Western Sydney.
"He's not expected to do all of training today," Longmire said.
"That's not unusual for some of our senior players not to do all of a final training session.
"We'll see how he goes this afternoon."
Longmire said Tippett was in "pretty good shape", a positive sign for the big man's bid to return in time for the finals.
Apart from last weekend's partial NEAFL hit-out, the 30-year-old hasn't played since he was dropped from the first team after an underwhelming display against Hawthorn in round 10.
A relentless ankle problem - the latest in an awful run with injuries - has recently halted Tippett's chances of a recall though Longmire has always insisted he remains a key part of the club's plans.
Forward Gary Rohan trained after enduring a hamstring issue against the Giants, though utility Harry Cunningham (foot) remains at least another week away.
The sixth-placed Swans will host St Kilda at the SCG, with the knowledge that they have not lost to the Saints in more than five years.
While the hosts are red-hot favourites for the pride game, they sit on equal points with ninth-placed Saints and can ill-afford a slip-up.
The final side for Saturday night’s crucial clash against the Saints will be revealed on sydneyswans.com.au from 6.25pm tonight.
