Veteran Sydney defender Ted Richards is in doubt for the Swans AFL opener against Collingwood after failing to take the field in a NEAFL scratch match on Saturday.

Richards, who is recovering from a calf injury was expected to play in an attempt to prove his fitness ahead of the start of the season, the AFL website reported.

The 33-year-old defender has trained with the main group in the lead-up to the season but might be underdone in terms of match practice.

In better news for the Swans, key position player Sam Reid is showing signs of improvement as he targets an early season return from a hamstring injury.

“I’m slowly getting there,” Reid told the club website.

“We’re taking our time with it and trying not to rush as the last thing I want to do is go back to square one and have to do all the work again.”

Reid remans optimistic that when he is back he can replicate the good form he showed towards the end of Sydney’s 2015 campaign.

“It’s not the best preparation and its frustrating as you can’t really practice any game-day things that you’ve worked on all pre-season,” he added.

“And in terms of match fitness, it’s hard to replicate that.

“You can do all the running you want but as soon as there’s a footy and an opposition involved the intensity kicks up a level.

“Ill be aiming to pick up where I left off over the next couple of weeks to give myself the best possible chance for when I do come back in.”

The Swans start their campaign when they host Collingwood at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, March 26.