Lance Franklin to miss Swans’ clash against North Melbourne with hamstring injury

Lance Franklin’s absence from the Sydney line-up will stretch to a fourth week, but will the Swans risk Dan Menzel after one game in the reserves?

Lance Franklin during Swans training. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Lance Franklin’s absence from the Sydney line-up will stretch to a fourth week with the club not convinced he’s had enough time on the training track to risk his troublesome hamstring.

The club is continuing to take a cautious approach with its star forward ahead of Saturday’s clash against North Melbourne in Tasmania.

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Coach John Longmire said on Monday that it was a case of waiting to see how Franklin got through training this week, but it appears an early call has been made – barring astonishing progress in the next couple of days.

And despite Dan Menzel enjoying a first taste of action in the Swans reserves last Saturday after a frustrating start to his spell at the club, he too will not be risked at Blundstone Arena in Hobart.

“Lance pulled up sore from our final training session last week and didn’t get up for the game against Essendon,” Swans head of football Charlie Gardiner said. “Our medical team have said that he’s probably more unlikely than likely to play at this stage. So I’m not expecting Lance to take the field against North.”

Lance Franklin during Swans training this week. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It denies Franklin the chance to break his duck at the venue, having been held goalless on his last visit in 2016.

As for Menzel, a three-goal haul for the NEAFL side last week was not enough to allay concerns about needing more kilometres in the legs.

“We think he will need some more time in the reserves before he pushes for senior selection but we are hoping that is sooner rather than later,” Gardiner said.

However, the happier news on the attacking front is that Sam Reid’s sore hip flexor is not expected to keep him out of the action.

Despite being minus Franklin, the Swans should have the psychological edge as they head for a venue where they are yet to taste defeat against North Melbourne.

Twice John Longmire’s men have clashed with the Kangaroos in Tasmania and twice the red and whites have headed home with the points.

And another stat that bodes well for the Swans is four wins from their last five meetings with the Roos.