SYDNEY superstar Lance Franklin's hopes of returning for Friday night's clash with Essendon at the SCG hinge on the team's main training session on Wednesday.
Franklin has missed the Swans' past two losses to Greater Western Sydney and Brisbane with a hamstring injury, but has increased his training over the past few days.
The four-time Coleman medallist would be a massive boost to a team that sits at the foot of the ladder with just one win from the first seven rounds.
Coach John Longmire said he hoped Franklin would be available to face the Bombers.
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"He did some running today (Monday) and he did some running on Saturday up in Brisbane, so we'll see how he goes on Wednesday," he said.
"We can't say yes or no (to him playing) just yet, but we'll give him every chance."
While Franklin could be fit to face Essendon, defender Harry Cunningham has been ruled out for up to six weeks after tearing the adductor in his right leg against the Lions on Saturday night.
The loss of the speedster, who had been moved from the midfield to cover injured veteran Jarrad McVeigh (quad) across half-back, is another big blow for the Swans defence.
Cunningham averaged a career-high 22 disposals over the first seven rounds to be one of Sydney's most consistent performers.
It means the undermanned Swans backline will have to find another replacement ahead of round eight, with Cunningham joining first-choice experienced defenders McVeigh, Heath Grundy (back) and Nick Smith (hamstring) on the club's injury list.
Longmire said the Swans' position on the ladder was reflective of the team's inconsistent form this season.
"To say we're not thrilled about it would be an understatement, but it is what it is," he said.
"Whether you're a player or a coach you just have to get up (off the deck) and get on with it.
"It's AFL football, there's no hiding from it.
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"It's not something we take lightly or sit back and just accept, regardless of the personnel available.
"We understand it's a different (looking) team but we've still got to return to the core part of how we play our footy, and we haven't done that so that’s why we are where we are.
"The opposition don't sit back and say, 'That’s OK, we understand you've got some new players', so we need to roll the sleeves up and get on with it."
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In better injury news for the Swans, off-season recruit Daniel Menzel is on track to play his first game for the club this weekend.
The skillful forward still has to get through training this week without any mishaps to be cleared to play limited minutes in Sydney's NEAFL clash with Sydney University on Saturday.
"It will be good to see him out there running around and getting going," Longmire said.
"It would be good to give him a couple of games (in the NEAFL) where he gets into the swing of things and gets some confidence in his body."
