Swans suspect lockdown laws caused Lance Franklin’s breakdown

Sydney are lamenting the possibility that Lance Franklin’s injury setback may have been partly been caused by following the AFL’s isolation rules.

Lance Franklin broke down as the Swans were in lockdown. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sydney are lamenting the possibility that Lance Franklin’s crushing injury setback may have been partly caused by following the AFL’s strict isolation rules.

The Swans are conscious of the fact Franklin’s hamstring and Sam Reid’s calf were low on the priority list when it came to the whirlwind of issues the AFL had to address in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown. However, they’re disappointed that the request they made to the AFL that two vulnerable players be monitored by club medical staff during the indefinite shutdown was blankly refused.

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Sydney say their request was not about gaining a competitive advantage, as the AFL’s rules were designed to protect, but rather wanted to show a proper duty of care to two stars who had undergone pre-season surgery.

The Swans have praised the AFL for its overall handling of the unprecedented drama, but are now dealing with the fact their worst fears have been realised with Franklin and Reid set for extended stints on the sideline after suffering soft tissue injuries. “It’s impossible to be certain. What we do know is you can’t rule it out. But it’s impossible to say for certain,” said coach John Longmire of the link.

“Were there other things at play? There probably is, but there were always some players we were mindful of through this period that needed strong rehabilitation work even though they were training.

“It’s injury prevention work. It’s not about making them fitter. It’s about them maintaining the resilience to be able to play and train week-in and week out.’’

Swans chief Tom Harley says the reason the club was heartbroken by the cuts to the football department is the same reason why they wanted permission to check in on players in need.

“Clearly as a club your primary concern or focus is for your people,” said Harley. “We absolutely understood and understand that the biggest issue out of the past couple of months has actually been the health of society and the community. And we all play a role and continue to do so in ensuring we’re flattening the curve as effectively as possible.

“A consequence of that was clearly a shutdown of facilities. Yes we’re disappointed (the request was blocked) and certainly disappointed now that Sam and Lance aren’t available for round one.”