THE SYDNEY Swans are sticking by their man, re-signing luckless defender Alex Johnson for another season.

The 23-year-old has not played a game since the 2012 premiership triumph over Hawthorn, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the following pre-season.

Johnson is now preparing for what he hopes is one final surgery before resuming his stalled career.

In a massive show of faith, the Swans have kept him on their primary list.

"The fact the club is standing by me, I'm absolutely over the moon and rapt about it," Johnson said.

"The fact they've kept me on the senior list is a massive compliment to me. Obviously they've got a lot of faith in what's to come in the next 12 months."

Johnson will undergo a scan on Tuesday to determine whether his troublesome knee can be operated on.

If given the all clear, a date will be set for operation number eight.

"I'm really excited about the surgery," he said. 

"People ask why, after the journey I've had. I’m just excited at the prospect of getting it done so I can look forward to that comeback game."