SYDNEY Swans star Kurt Tippett has taken a significant step in his recovery from hamstring tendon injury, with the ruckman back running less than a month after surgery.

Tippett was injured in the Swans' round 12 loss to Greater Western Sydney and had a minor procedure in Melbourne the following week, but looks on track to return to the field before the finals.

The Swans have placed the 29-year-old on the club's long-term injury list but are hopeful he'll be back for their round 21 clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

The versatile big man is progressing well with his rehabilitation and jogged laps at Lakeside Oval near the SCG on Monday morning.

Callum Sinclair took over the main ruck duties when Tippett went down, with support from youngsters Sam Naismith and Toby Nankervis in the past three games, and said it has been a tough adjustment.

"Kurt (Tippett) was having such a terrific season and we're looking forward to getting him back," he said.

"Sam (Naismith) had a really big influence on the game last week, and Toby (Nankervis) with his competitiveness and aggression coming into the side has been a real plus.

"With Kurt out we've got to spread the load a little bit more in the middle, but with the role of our ruckmen these days, they have to go forward and give a contest up there.

"I think we're going OK. It'll take time. but it's exciting for the group."

The second-placed Swans face Hawthorn at the SCG on Thursday night, knowing that a win will see them take top spot on the ladder from the premiers, while defeat will see them drop two games behind.

Sinclair said that with the battle for positions inside the top eight so tight, any clash with a fellow finals contender took on even more significance, and the players knew each loss on the run home could see them tumble down the ladder.

“It can be a little bit overwhelming and daunting at times knowing that might be the case,” he said.

“It just shows the strength of the competition that if you’re not on your game one week it can really cost you.

“The race for the top four is getting tighter and tighter every week, so there’s very little time for mistakes.

“We need to keep the momentum going in our squad because if you drop a couple of games, you’re going to drop lower on the ladder.”