And Adam Goodes is also in the mix for his first senior game in more than 10 months.

Tippett received a knee to his back late in the first half of the Swans' reserves match on Saturday and did not return to the field after half-time.

The Swans, however, say they were only intending to give Tippett one half of football in his first competitive game of the year.

The star forward was feeling better on Sunday but the club will get a clearer indication on Monday or Tuesday if he will be available for a senior return to take on Roos' Melbourne at the MCG.

It was an otherwise smooth return to the field for Tippett, whose troublesome knee came through the game well.

The star forward kicked three goals against Gold Coast's reserves team and, perhaps more importantly, pleased the Swans with his movement.

"He was moving quite well and got a bit of a knee in the back just before half-time and went off," coach John Longmire said following the senior's impressive victory over Fremantle at the SCG.

"But his knee felt fine and he said he felt good out there.

"He was only due to play a half and that's why we didn't play him in the seniors.

"We wanted to make sure we controlled the game time he played.

"He moved well, he marked the ball well, he competed well – it's a pretty good start."

Longmire said Goodes may also come under consideration, though it's improbable both players will make their senior returns against the Demons.

There is renewed optimism in Sydney after a win over Fremantle which star midfielder Josh Kennedy described as one of the club's most important home and away victories in recent years.

Kennedy was close to best on ground while fellow Swans midfielders Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack and Dan Hannebery were also strong.

Franklin's four goals after a quiet first half was also an encouraging sign he is adjusting to the Swans' game plan.

Kennedy declared the Swans were back to their best but needed to back up their efforts this week.

There will be added interest in the game against Melbourne as it will be the first time Roos will coach against the club he led to a historic flag in 2005.

Kennedy said the Swans would derive plenty of confidence after rediscovering the style of football which made them one of the AFL's elite teams over the past two years.

The Swans had made a focus of lifting the defensive side of their game last week and were rapt to lay 102 tackles against the Dockers - their most since the 2012 grand final when they laid 110 tackles.

"Just to be able to play the way we did yesterday and feel like we're back to our best, it's a really good feeling. You could tell everyone was up and about yesterday, it meant a lot to the club," Kennedy said.

"With the pressure from the fans and the media throughout the week, which was certainly warranted, to come up against a quality opposition and perform the way we did was right up there in the wins I've been involved in since I've been at the Swans.

"In the weeks prior our pressure on the ball-carrier has been poor and we were able to wind it up this week and get back to our best.

"We know when we play like that we feel like we can beat anyone.

"To be able to play like that and get away with a win against a quality opposition too, that made it that much better."