Lance Franklin to return in what could be his final game at the MCG against Richmond

Lance Franklin will be back for Sydney’s massive game against Richmond on Thursday night, in what will likely be his last ever match at the MCG.

Franklin could tie on the boots for the final time at his second home, the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein

The Swans will welcome back Buddy Franklin for their crucial clash against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday night.

Franklin has been on the sidelines with knee soreness for just under a month, playing his most recent game in the loss to St Kilda in round 13.

In that match, Franklin moved to fourth in the overall VFL/AFL goalkicking ranks, while also bringing up his 350th AFL appearance.

“Lance completed a training block over the weekend and took part in our main skills training this week,” said Sydney’s head physio Damian Raper.

Buddy is back.

“He has recovered well and will return to play against Richmond.”

The match will see Franklin move into third for most VFL/AFL appearances by an indigenous player, overtaking Eddie Betts on 350 games.

It could also be Franklin’s final game at the MCG with the Swans currently sitting outside the top eight.

In 113 matches at the ground, Franklin has kicked 340 goals – the seventh-most in AFL/VFL history. Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt is the only active player above him on the list.

Franklin has been close to returning in previous weeks but John Longmire indicated they were prepared to be patient and ensure he came back at 100 per cent.

He returns to a Sydney side desperate for goal-kicking form. The Swans kicked 18 behinds against Geelong last round and will need Franklin’s experience for the run home.

Franklin will replace Joel Amartey in the side, who has been managed after returning from a serious injury last month.

“[Amartey] has now put together a solid block of playing time since returning from a hamstring injury which kept him out for seven weeks,” said Raper.

“We will continue to take a proactive approach to his management.”

Chad Warner will miss at least one more match as he recovers from a calf strain.

This week’s game could be Franklin’s final clash on the MCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Franklin could be joined back in the side by defender Tom McCartin who impressed in his second appearance in the VFL since returning from concussion.

It’s a welcome headache for Longmire and the Swans after their injury-ravaged 2023 season.

“The good thing is if they both get through training, probably for the first time in a long time we’ll have some selection pressures which is terrific,” Longmire said.

“That’s what we want to get. We felt like the team on the weekend performed pretty strongly, we’ve got a couple of players that we can get back in the team if we need to as well.”

Originally published as Lance Franklin to return in what could be his final game at the MCG against Richmond