A fit-again Errol Gulden is off the leash and ready to cause trouble for Brisbane to mark the Sydney star's hotly anticipated return.

Gulden will play his first game in three months on Thursday night, but Swans coach Dean Cox says there won't be any need to manage the ball-magnet's minutes at the Gabba.

The 23-year-old had required surgery after dislocating his shoulder in the club's round-one victory over the reigning premiers.

It was another heartbreaking setback for the winger, who only played 10 games last season after fracturing his ankle in a pre-season match simulation.

Facing the Lions after a bye, Cox isn't afraid of urging Gulden to test his limits.

"I have no doubt Errol's ready to perform," Cox said.

"He's done above what game metrics normally look like, certainly with the contact stuff as well.

"His ability to make sure, first of all, that's right and he's confident in his body - he's just really excited now.

"He'll be pretty much as normal. He's done a huge amount of work, so I don't think fitness will be the issue.

"He's had a tough training block, and he's ready to go."

Brisbane are also coming off a bye, recovering from a worrying mid-season slump to string back-to-back wins ahead of Thursday night's clash.

Sydney, despite Gulden's absence, appear genuine premiership contenders and sit second (48 points) behind Fremantle (52).

The clubs are clear frontrunners, with Hawthorn next best on 38 points.

Brisbane have also struggled with personnel this season, with the Swans overwhelming an understrength Lions side to slam through the opening seven goals and win their round-one fixture by 44 points.

The Lions had been without the suspended Harris Andrews, Zac Bailey and Darcy Gardiner and the injured Hugh McCluggage.

While Andrews, Bailey and Gardiner will feature this time around, McCluggage (calf) is again on the sidelines with veteran Dayne Zorko (quad).

Key defender Ryan Lester will also return from a calf injury and is set to take on Sydney spearhead Charlie Curnow.

"We prepare for them at their best, and they're starting to get back to that," Cox said.

"They've been an amazing football team for a long period of time, and what they do around the contest is better than anyone in the competition.

"We need to make sure that we can try and nullify some of that supply."