Sydney co-captain
Callum Mills is in a race to be fit for round one due to a persistent Achilles injury.
Mills, 24, missed the Swans' elimination final loss to the Giants last year with the same injury, which is yet to fully heal.
Coach John Longmire suggested progress was being made, but numerous setbacks had hindered his star midfielder’s recovery.
“He's worked so much to get that Achilles right,” Longmire told AFL.com.au.
“Often with these injuries you take two steps forward and one step back. That's happened a little bit over the pre-season with him.”
“Where that leaves him for round one, we're not sure just yet.
“We'll play him when he's right and he's right for the entire season.
“He's been doing some drills but we're really mindful we're not going to push him too hard if it sets him back two to three weeks.”
Mills’ career took off in 2021 after a permanent move on-ball, averaging 28 disposals, five clearances and four inside 50s a game.
Without further setbacks, the former top-10 pick could be in line to feature in Sydney’s opening round clash against GWS.
However, with that match a little over a month away and Mills yet to resume full training, he’s sweating on his Achilles making a swift recovery.
“We hope to introduce him to full training sessions over the next week or two and then to develop him into competitive training work,” Longmire added.
“That's the plan but we'll be guided by how his Achilles is responding.
“We know he's giving himself every chance to be available as soon as he can.”
Apart from Mills, the club has a relatively clean bill of health as they prepare to take on their cross-town rivals in an important opening clash.
Longmire also revealed young guns
Ollie Florent (anke) and
James Rowbottom (hand) would return to training in the next week or two.
Swans co-captain racing the clock to be fit for round one (sen.com.au)