AFL Grand Final 2016: Lance Franklin battling ankle complaint

SYDNEY star Lance Franklin had little impact in the Grand Final after battling an ankle injury, his day summed up when a free kick against him led to the Bulldogs’ match-sealing goal.

Lance Franklin on the bench. Picture: Alex Coppel

SYDNEY star Lance Franklin had little impact in the Grand Final after battling an ankle injury as the Western Bulldogs ended their long premiership drought.

His ordinary afternoon was summed up late in the final quarter when a free kick against him for holding the ball led to Tom Boyd’s match-sealing goal.

Franklin rolled his right ankle in the first quarter after landing awkwardly on the foot of teammate George Hewitt.

He disappeared into the rooms for treatment and re-emerged about 10 minutes later, immediately picking up an uncontested mark.

When Franklin marked moments later over Bulldogs defender Joel Hambling the concerns of Swans fans would have eased, but Buddy missed his shot at goal from about 10m on a slight angle.

Lance Franklin marks in front of goal after returning to the field but missed. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

He went back into the rooms at the break and started the second quarter on the bench but it wasn’t long before he was back on the field.

However, the Bulldogs did not make his afternoon any easier, often double teaming him and limiting his space.

Franklin had to wait until the last quarter to kick his first and only goal.