SYDNEY Swans star Lance Franklin appears set to return against Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday provided he passes a fitness test at training.
Franklin was a late withdrawal from last week's match against West Coast after hurting his back during the Swans' final training session last Friday at Domain Stadium.
Swans football manager Tom Harley told the club's website on Wednesday that Franklin should be fit to face the Crows if he got through training on Thursday.
"The good news is that Lance is a chance to play," Harley said.
"He just twinged his back and was really quite sore and not overly mobile so he flew back early and got the treatment required.
"We have training tomorrow morning. Lance will test himself out there and we will have a clear picture then.
"It is positive signs at this stage and hopefully Lance gets up but we will make the call later in the week."
Ruckman Mike Pyke remains in doubt after he was subbed out of last week's loss to the Eagles due to an ongoing knee issue.
"He's carrying a knee injury at the moment," Harley said.
"It's a bit of a week-to-week proposition. It goes without saying he's a really important player for us, leading our rucks.
"He was on lighter duties yesterday, will train tomorrow and we'll reassess then. Hopefully Mike gets up and plays this week."
Harley also said Kurt Tippett was an outside chance to return from his hand injury as early as this week after training with the squad on Tuesday.
"It was great signs," Harley said.
"The fact he was out there with the balls is positive. He needs to do a few more things to put his name up on the selection board but that could happen as quickly as tomorrow. So fingers crossed."
Ben McGlynn is also in the mix to return after his second match in the NEAFL last week since recovering from his calf injury.
Ted Richards is also available after serving a one-week suspension.
