FORMER co-captain Kieren Jack is a strong chance to face Port Adelaide in Sydney's season opener after getting through a short training session on Tuesday.
Jack, who last played in the Swans' intraclub hit out on February 10, missed the entire the JLT Community Series because of a minor hip complaint, but seemed unhindered by the injury at the SCG for the club's main session of the week.
The 29-year-old went through an extended warm-up and running program away from the main group, before joining in some short skills work with his teammates.
Key defender Aliir Aliir (toe) completed the full session after playing in a NEAFL scratch match on the weekend, his second game in a row, and should also be fit to take on the Power.
Jack was set to play as a permanent forward in 2017 as Isaac Heeney moved into the midfield, but with the young gun missing for an unknown period with glandular fever, Jack could resume his role in the Swans' onball division at times against the Power.
With Tom Papley (knee) and Gary Rohan (back) on the long-term injury list, Jack's experience and speed will be vital inside 50 alongside tall forwards Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett and Sam Reid.
Star midfielder Luke Parker was confident on Tuesday that Jack would be fit to face Port, despite his interrupted preparation.
"He was supposed to play in the last game (of the JLT Community Series) but he had a bit of soreness from training or something," he said on Tuesday.
"He had the week off last week but should train fully (this week) and be right to go.
"It'll be great to have him back with his leadership, his aggression up forward, and his chasing and tackling.
"He's another exciting person to have (in the team)."
Whether Jack is available or not, Sydney's top draft pick Oliver Florent should also be a part of their round one side, and might not be the only debutant to run out against Port.
Parker said last year's draft crop had impressed him over the summer, and he had no doubt that Florent and the club's other young players are ready for senior footy.
"I think he is, and there's a number of other first-year players who are putting up their hands," he said.
"Will Hayward and Robbie Fox and blokes like that are exciting to have at the club.
"They've shown their ability, they're obviously going to be raw at times, but that's the great thing about having great leaders and great players around them, because it'll make their transition a lot easier.
"For us, we'd have no problem slotting those three into the team."