Luckless defender Alex Johnson is aiming to be a part of Sydney's premiership tilt this year as he closes in on a return from his latest injury.

Johnson is in the final stages of his comeback from groin surgery and is set to play in the reserves either this week or next.

Long way back: Alex Johnson is likely to return in the Swans reserves this week or next. Credit:Janie Barrett

The Swans had initially thought Johnson would miss only four weeks when he went under the knife in February but he suffered a setback in March, resulting in him missing the first two months of the season.

The 26-year-old, who has endured five reconstructions and a further six operations on the same knee, made an emotional return to the field last year with nine games in the NEAFL having not played at any level since March 2014.