Lance Franklin has Sydney excited after completed his first full session of the pre-season

Lance Franklin has completed his first full training session for the pre-season and the Sydney superstar is aiming to train full-time this year after injuries restricted his workload in 2018.

Lance Franklin trains at Henson Park. Picture: Getty Images

Lance Franklin made All-Australian captain by training just 20 minutes for an entire season.

Now the Sydney Swans are salivating over what their superstar might be capable of if he can fire on all cylinders.

Franklin has completed his first full training session for the pre-season and the Swans will continue to gradually ease the powerhouse forward back before making a call on whether he starts the campaign in Round 1.

Boxing and light ball drills were the order of the day for Franklin at the Swans’ new makeshift training home at Henson Park in Marrickville on Thursday, but coach John Longmire said his most influential player has made his first foray back into full duties.

Longmire said it was crucial for the cohesion of the entire team that Franklin was able to train in between matches this year after niggling injuries restricted his workload last year.

“We saw last year not training that he was still named All-Australian captain,” Longmire said.

“He’s still able to maintain a really high standard himself. But it’s important to have him train not only for his own touch but just for the team’s aspect.

Lance Franklin does a boxing drill at Henson Park. Picture: Getty Images

“Sometimes when you’re out on the ground getting used to not using him is a good thing as well — bringing others into the game and not being so predictable.

“But when he gets up the ground and roams around he’s the hard match-up and he’s a beautiful kick inside 50.

“There are a number of reasons why we’d like him out there training. He did a session two days ago.

“He’s pulled up well from that so his training will increase over the next week.”

Longmire has blooded the second-highest number of rookies over the past three years, but the Swans have backed their kids in for more games than any other team.

That policy is likely to continue with the likes of gun draftee Nick Blakey and Longmire said the trust the club had in young talent made it work.

“They have played key roles for us,’’ he said.

Originally published as Lance Franklin has Sydney excited after completed his first full session of the pre-season