Injury-cursed Sydney defender Alex Johnson is reportedly an outside chance to make his long-awaited AFL return, almost six years since his last senior game.

The 26-year-old defender, who has endured five knee reconstructions over his 45-game career, has played seven straight NEAFL games and is in the mix to be picked for the Swans’ Saturday night clash with Collingwood, The Age reports.

The rookie-listed Swan last played in the AFL as part of the 2012 Grand Final, helping Sydney to a 10-point win over Hawthorn with 15 possessions.