Back ... Rhyce Shaw is a chance to return for the Swans. Source: DEAN LEWINS / AAP
Sydney Swan Rhyce Shaw could make a return on Saturday against Essendon after taking almost two months to recover from an abdominal strain.
The veteran defender hasn't played since he suffered the injury during round two's win over Gold Coast.
The club initially felt he would miss only one or two weeks, but the issue took much longer to heal than expected.
But Swans coach John Longmire said the 31-year-old has put himself up for possible selection for this weekend's SCG clash after training well on Sunday.
"Shaw is a chance this week. Hopefully if he's able to train today and Thursday, that'll give him a chance for selection,'' Longmire told reporters on Tuesday.
"Whether that's for seniors or reserves, we're yet to make that decision. We'll probably make that decision based on how he trains.
"He's missed a fair bit of footy but he trained on Sunday and trained well.''
The reigning premiers' defensive depth has been thoroughly tested over the past fortnight, with Shaw, Marty Mattner (hip), Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) and Alex Johnson (knee) all out.
Mattner is also a chance of returning against the Bombers, despite carrying some hip soreness when he returned to training last week.
"We're going to see how he (Mattner) trains this week (but) whether he's able to come up for selection or not, we're not sure yet,'' Longmire said.
"His hip was still a little bit sore last week, therefore he didn't play last Friday but we'll see how he goes this week before we make a decision on Marty.''
The Swans were dealt a huge blow on Monday when Sam Reid was ruled out for at least three weeks after tearing his quad in last Friday's MCG clash with Collingwood.peReid will miss the next two games, with the club hopeful he'll be back after their round 12 bye.
Longmire said it was disappointing to lose Reid, who had been building his form in recent weeks, but flagged Tommy Walsh and Jesse White as potential replacements.
"Absolutely those two, after the weekend. They both played forward for us and did a really good job,'' he said.
"Those two players will come into contention to get a game this week.
''...The next player in needs to pick up that slack and make sure they perform and play that role like others have done.''
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