Franklin faces longer on sidelines as Swans injury crisis continues

Swans champion Lance Franklin continues to battle a knee complaint as the injury crisis grows worse at Sydney.

Lance Franklin is set to miss another week with knee soreness. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Superstar Sydney forward Lance Franklin is set to miss Saturday’s Grand Final re-match with Geelong in a blow to the Swans’ chances of turning the tables on the Cats.

Swans coach John Longmire gave the Franklin update as he also revealed there was still no timeline on a return for defender Paddy McCartin after a 10th concussion, but his brother Tom is likely to exit concussion protocols to face Geelong.

Franklin is still battling knee soreness and has not been able to train fully since his team’ Round 4 loss to Port Adelaide, with the key forward set to look on as his side seeks revenge against the reigning premiers at GMHBA Stadium.

The 36-year-old is one of a trio of important key position Swans who will be on the sidelines for the blockbuster clash, joining McCartin and Joel Amartey (torn hamstring).

A shattered Joel Amartey came from the field against Richmond on Friday night with another serious hamstring injury. Picture: Michael Klein

Sydney coach Longmire said he was disappointed to lose Amartey, who had kicked first quarter goals to take his season tally to six from four games before he was helped from the field.

“Unfortunately he’s got some tendon damage in his hamstring, it’s eight to 10 weeks and won’t be until after the bye that we see him unfortunately,” Longmire said.

“As we saw this year he was just starting to find his feet … he’s had a bit of bad luck, he hasn’t been able to continually put some games together which is disappointing for him, but at least he’s got some confidence that he can play at the level now.

“Not only play at the level but have a real impact, he’s started to really use his body and be a real focal forward point for us, and his ability to go in the ruck has also been valuable.”

Longmire said Franklin would not be inserted into the side without proving his fitness at training despite the shortage of talls for the Swans to select from.

Paddy McCartin and Lance Franklin will both remain sidelined for the Grand Final rematch against Geelong on Saturday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Tom Hickey will return to play this week but likely via the VFL, while Sam Reid remains months away with a hamstring injury.

“(Franklin’s) knee is still a little bit sore, so we’re not sure what he’ll do today at training, at the very best he’ll go for a run, but he’s in doubt this week,” Longmire said.

“We’re not sure whether he will play, probably at this stage more unlikely … if he was able to get out and train he’s a chance, but I think at this stage it’s a long shot.

“You know, he’s 36 with a sore knee, and he needs to get out and train, so it’s got nothing to do with our other injuries, it’s just whether he’s available or not.”

Originally published as Franklin faces longer on sidelines as Swans injury crisis continues