SYDNEY Swans ruckman Kurt Tippett has been placed on the long-term injury list but club officials remain positive he can return to the field before the finals.

Tippett partially tore the hamstring tendon in his left leg against Greater Western Sydney in round 12 at Spotless Stadium, and had surgery in Melbourne last week.

The star big man is now back in Sydney and has started his rehabilitation campaign. General Manager of Football Tom Harley said the Swans are hopeful that Tippett will be back for the club’s round 22 clash with North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena.

That would give one of the club’s most important players two games of footy, against the Kangaroos and Richmond at the SCG, before the Swans’ first final.

“After consultation with our medical and conditioning team, it has been decided that Kurt Tippett will be placed on the club’s long-term injury list,” Harley said.

“At this stage, Kurt’s spot on the primary list will not be replaced by a promoted rookie.”

As well as Tippett, the Swans currently have Michael Talia (foot) and Alex Johnson (knee) on the long-term injury list, with rookie-listed players Tom Papley and Harrison Marsh upgraded to the senior list to take their spots.

Highly skilled defender Nic Newman could replace Tippett if the Swans decide to make use of his hot form.

The 23-year-old has been in outstanding form across half-back in the NEAFL this season and could fill a roll in defence, giving coach John Longmire the option of using co-captain Jarrad McVeigh or gun youngster Callum Mills further up the field.

International rookie Colin O’Riordan has also impressed the Swans in the reserves, with the Irishman’s competitive nature a standout so far in his first season at the club.