SYDNEY Swans utility Lewis Roberts-Thomson is close to joining full training for the first time in eight months after a knee injury ruined his 2013 season.

The premiership tall has been buoyed by his recent efforts in training and is on track to be available for the Swans' first NAB Challenge match against Greater Western Sydney on February 20.

"It’s been a pretty good pre-season," Roberts-Thomson told Swans TV.

"It’s been a long time between drinks.

"Once the break came I was sort of able to refresh and really clear my mind and set myself up for a big pre-season, which is what I’ve done so far."

Roberts-Thomson last played in round four last season when he suffered a knee injury against Geelong at the SCG.

Initially expected to miss 6-8 weeks, the 30-year-old suffered complications in his recovery and spent four months recovering from cartilage damage.

He recovered in time to play in the Swans reserves NEAFL Eastern Conference grand final win, but didn't play at AFL level for the rest of the season.   

After a lengthy skills session on Monday, he said he was looking forward to increasing that aspect of his training.

"As fun as it is to run laps and to get as fit as possible, chasing the footy is a lot better than just running tedious and monotonous laps around the oval," he said.

"Starting back a few weeks ago just after Christmas, I’ve really worked hard on my fitness and my strength, and the knee seems to be feeling pretty good.

"I’m just progressing into some skill work now and hopefully I’ll be right for practice matches in a couple of weeks."

Twitter: @AFL_Nathan