Footy News as it HappensSYDNEY champion Adam Goodes could make a spectacular return this week after surviving a gruelling training session.

Goodes, who hasn’t played since round 13, had struggled to return to running following a knee injury.

Swans coach John Longmire was optimistic that his star player could return.

“He had a pretty dramatic improvement in the last week and looked fantastic,” Longmire said.

“He had a really solid training week last week and ran the hardest he has since he’s been injured and pulled up really well.”

“He hadn’t had many wins (in his rehabilitation) up until a week ago. He trained today and trained well.”

Sydney will host Carlton in the first semi final.

COLLINGWOOD director of sports science, David Buttifant, has quit his position in a likely bid to reunite with former coach Mick Malthouse at Carlton.

News Limited report that Buttifant, who has spent the past 13 seasons with Collingwood, will take over from current Carlton high performance manager Justin Cordy, who informed the club earlier in the year he would be leaving at seasons end.

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert thanked Buttifant for his many years of work in a statement this morning.

“David is recognised as an innovator in his field and has helped drive the professional standards of the club over the last 13 years,” Pert said.

“He has been a very popular member of the Collingwood family and certainly someone who can say that he left the organisation in a much better shape than when he arrived.

“As part of on-going discussions this year with David, both parties agreed that it was the perfect time to seek out a new challenge. David Leaves with the total support and best wishes of everyone at the club.”

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