SYDNEY has had positive discussions with the management of emerging star Zak Jones and key forward Sam Reid, head of football Tom Harley says.

Speedster Jones, one of the few shining lights in 15th-placed Sydney's 3-7 start to the season, is off contract at the end of the season and desired by other clubs.

Reid, who is a restricted free agent after this season, is the Swans' second-highest goalkicker in 2017 with 15.

"We're having really fruitful and positive conversations with both of those boys' management," Harley told AAP on Friday.

The Swans' capacity to hold on to both players has been questioned because of the sizeable contracts of Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett, with both already contracted for next year.

Ruck-forward Tippett's modest returns and form this season have sparked a welter of conversation about his position at the club.

"I think the Sydney Swans would be very happy to pay some of his wage and see him head for the door," former Western Bulldogs and Richmond coach Terry Wallace said on SEN.

Harley said Sydney didn't feel the need to respond to all the external talk about Tippett.

"We're not swayed by any sort of commentary and our coaching staff are working diligently with Kurt and Kurt has been working diligently," Harley said.

Some of the Swans' injured stars are a chance to return for their match against Western Bulldogs next week.

Harley said Reid and Jake Lloyd should be fine to play next Thursday's match at the SCG, after both were concussed in Sydney's last game against Hawthorn.

"Kieren Jack (hip) and Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring) and Sam Naismtih (knee) are all working through their rehabilitation programs," Harley said.

"We're certainly hopeful that for that first game back against the Bulldogs we'll have Kieren, Sam and possibly Jarrad available as well."

Harley said Harry Cunningham's ankle injury was better than first thought.

And he added defender Alex Johnson was still on track to make his long-awaited return to action before the end of this season – having not played since the 2012 Grand Final due to five knee reconstructions.