Isaac Heeney says Sydney’s forward line has evolved and Lance Franklin is now a bonus

ISAAC Heeney says Sydney has turned a massive corner in its premiership campaign and declared Lance Franklin’s presence is now a bonus rather than a make-or-break necessity.

Swans star Isaac Heeney says Sydney has turned a massive corner in its premiership campaign and declared Lance Franklin’s presence is now a bonus rather than a make-or-break necessity.

Heeney said Sydney’s gutsy band of small men laid down a blueprint in last week’s stellar road win over Geelong the Swans can follow even when Franklin is back in their midst.

Clearly the injured Franklin is one of the most influential match-winners in the AFL when fit, but in the past have suffered when the big man has been virtually their only target inside 50.

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Superstar forward Franklin has been ruled out for a second straight week with a bruised heel, but Sydney are preparing to tackle North Melbourne at the SCG on Saturday with all the confidence of a team that has no fear.

Dynamo and gun marker Heeney has been at the forefront of Sydney’s small-forward revolution.

“The smaller forward line is giving us other options to explore kicking goals,” said Heeney.

Lance Franklin and Isaac Heeney at Sydney training.

“Without Buddy (Franklin) and Reid, the two talls, we need us little fellas to create a contest and bring the ball to ground and go to work.

“You look at the younger fellas like Robbie Fox, Oliver Florent and Ben Ronke and they all kicked a couple of goals each.

“The win over Geelong shows sometimes we don’t need him and we can kick goals other ways.

“The younger fellas are standing up and it shows the depth in our team and for those boys to kick goals is very important.”

Franklin is back training but coach John Longmire is acutely aware of rushing the 31-year-old back too soon.

Bruised heels are injuries which can stalk athletes for months on end if not rested properly.

Robbie Fox celebrates a goal against Geelong.

However, rather than kicking stones over what they’ve lost in Franklin’s absence, Sydney are determined to turn Saturday’s clash against the Kangaroos into a celebration of what they do have in small forward Gary Rohan.

The likeable star will play his 100th game this weekend and Heeney described the 26-year-old as an inspiration.

Rohan and his wife Amie have been dealing with the devastating heartbreak of one of their beautiful twin daughters not surviving childbirth.

The Swans and the AFL rallied around the Rohan family.

Rohan has also suffered serious leg-injuries in the past that have threatened his career.

Heeney said Rohan’s 100th match was a huge occasion for the team.

Gary Rohan at Sydney training.

“Gary is someone who’s been through everything — everything you can imagine,” said Heeney.

“For someone to come through that and perform like he has been shows his character.

“He is an unbelievable person off the field and a superstar on the field as well.

“He is crucial to our team and we are so glad to have him. Anywhere from his speed, to his goalkicking, to his pressure game is top-notch and when he’s up and running he’s one of the best in the comp and can tear the game apart.

“Looking at it in that aspect it’s something I can drive towards and try and tweak my game in those little ways.”

Heeney has been used more in a midfield role this year by coach Longmire, rather than the forward-midfield capacity he’s accustomed to.

The 21-year-old said he was embracing the new challenge.

“Whatever role John Longmire gives me for the game I enjoy and I just love being out on the park,” he said.

“Whether that’s in the midfield or up forward I’ll take my opportunities and try and kick some goals or win some footy and win some hard balls.”