THE SYDNEY Swans could be boosted by key trio Kurt Tippett, Dan Hannebery and Rhyce Shaw for Saturday night's blockbuster clash against Hawthorn, with their fate to be decided on Thursday.

 

Tippett has played just one of the Swans' past four games because of a knee injury, but coach John Longmire said he had made good progress over the bye.

 

Shaw and Hannebery, who have missed three and four matches respectively with ankle injuries, are also closing in on returns, with Shaw more likely at this stage to face the Hawks.

 

Longmire said the trio would be assessed after the Swans' final training session on Thursday.

 

"We’re going to give them every chance, all three of them, but at this stage Dan Hannebery is probably the least likely out of the three," he said.

 

"But we’ll give them a chance and will make the decision on Thursday.

 

"Our medical staff and the coaches will sit down on Thursday and will give them until lunch time Thursday after our training session and will work it out afterwards."

 

Tippett, who was a late withdrawal against West Coast in round 16 with knee inflammation, has played just five games this season.

 

Longmire, however, said he was a certain inclusion if given the green light by medical staff.

 

"We’d certainly like him back sooner rather than later because we want him in the team to help us win right now," the coach said.

 

"He hasn’t played much and he’s missed a couple of weeks now. If he’s ready to go this week and the medical staff thinks he’s ready to go, he’ll play."