Lance Franklin returns for Sydney after years of injury hell

Lance Franklin’s time in the football wilderness is over with Swans coach John Longmire declaring he will make his return this weekend.

Franklin has been cleared to play his first game of senior footy since Round 23, 2019, after a promising return in the Swan’s reserves this weekend.

Longmire said Monday, Franklin will play, assuming he gets through this week of training.

“Lance pulled up fine and we expect him to play this week. It’s good to get him back in the team,” Longmire told reporters.

“He has done a lot of work since August last year, he has done a lot of strength work and he has been training for quite a while now so it is great to get him back into the team.”

“He has got himself in pretty good nick quite a few times, and he just hasn’t quite got there so it is great to be able to have him back available to play, ready to go.”

“We will train here (at the SCG) this week and he will be right to go on Saturday.”

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Lance Franklin has spent more time than most on the training paddock.Source:AAP

The 34-year-old played just one half against the Giants’ reserves this weekend, but his performance has been enough to convince Longmire he is finally ready to return to the Swans’ best 22.

Franklin has played just 10 games in the past two years, and missed the entire 2020 season as a result of soft tissue complications.

Sydney takes on Adelaide at the SCG on Sunday coming off a massive upset win over the Brisbane Lions in Round 1.

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