COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley expects Dane Swan's career to be put back on track as quickly as it went putrid.
The 2011 Brownlow medallist was candid last week when asked about his season, which was blighted by injuries and inconsistency.
Swan admitted he had not been upfront with club medical staff about his body and said his form had been putrid and horrendous.
While Swan has turned 30, Buckley is upbeat that the on-baller's poor year was a blip rather than the beginning of the end.
"I certainly hope not," Buckley said when asked if Swan's best was behind him.
"He still has the capability to be a very good player in our side.
"I'm less worried about All Australians and B and F's as I am about him being a very strong teammate and playing his role."
Buckley also praised Swan for the comments, saying it was typical of his honesty.
"It was probably his first down season for seven or eight - he's had a remarkably-consistent career," Buckley said.
"I picked up he obviously has very strong motivation to want to prepare himself to have a better season next year.
"And that's great to hear."
Swan also said he wanted to be more of an on-field mentor, saying it was an area where he needed to improve.
He is now Collingwood's oldest player and the young Magpies will continue to lean heavily on their few remaining veterans.
Swan is yet to commence full pre-season training as he continues his recovery from a hip operation.
