'Good for footy': AFL fans erupt over Buddy Franklin call
Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has hinted Lance Franklin could make his return to the AFL this weekend against Adelaide.
Franklin hasn't played for the Swans since the final round of the 2019 AFL season after reoccurring groin, hamstring and calf issues.
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But the four-time Coleman medallist winner had a solid hit out for the Swans' reserve grade team last weekend and Longmire said he could play against Adelaide on Saturday.
“Lance pulled up fine and we expect him to play this week. It’s good to get him back in the team,” coach Longmire told reporters on Monday.
“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.”
Fans excited by Franklin return
Fans were rightfully excited for the return of Buddy.
The forward only needs 56 more goals to reach 1000 in the AFL.
Great to hear Lance “Buddy” Franklin is set to play for @sydneyswans in Round 2.
Love to see him get to 1,000 @AFL goals.
He needs 56 more.— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) March 22, 2021
I am with you Quarters! Would love to see Franklin get 56 more goals.
— Dan Vallins (@DannoVallins) March 22, 2021
John Longmire says he expects Buddy Franklin to play at AFL level on Saturday against Adelaide. Would be first game at the top level since Round 23 2019
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) March 22, 2021
Buddy to face the Crows
Sydney Coach John Longmire “We expect Lance (Franklin) to play this week,”“He’s done a lot of work and he’s been training for quite a while so it will be good to get him back in the team.”— Warren Tredrea (@warrentredrea) March 22, 2021
Lance Franklin fit and playing is just so good for footy. Can't wait.
— Brodie (Dave Grohl thinks you're an idiot too) (@BJRussell95) March 22, 2021
Both teams are coming off upset Round 1 wins.
Sydney defeated Brisbane 125-94 and will host the Crows after their win against Geelong.
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