STAR Gold Coast midfielder David Swallow is on track to play in the JLT Community Series as he prepares to return for his first AFL match since mid-2015 after knee issues.

A posterior cruciate injury in his right knee set him back early in the 2015 season. He returned later in the year but aggravated the problem in round 15 and did not make it back on to the field.

He then had arthroscopic surgery in February 2016 on his left knee. The No. 1 selection in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft returned late in the season for a couple of NEAFL games but suffered a hamstring strain to again end his year prematurely.

Despite his injury woes, the Suns signed the 24-year-old up until the end of 2019 last December.

The 2014 best and fairest told News Corp he expected to be on the field for the club's season-opening clash against the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, March 25.

"I have been doing full training for most of the pre-season after initially being eased into it," Swallow said.

"I've been enjoying the match simulation stuff and getting some more midfield minutes.

"I have to make a bit of a plan to see how much I play over the pre-season competition and leading into round one so it's been all positive. I just have to keep working on the tank and keep looking after my body as much as I can."