Lance Franklin is expected to take to the field in his first practice match since 2018, after making it through this summer’s pre-season training unscathed.
Ravished in previous years by injury, Franklin’s availability nearing the start of the AFL season gives hope that the star forward can chalk up his historic 1000th goal within the opening rounds.
Last week, Franklin excited with a bag of goals in a Swans intra-club game, setting him up for an appearance in Friday night’s exhibition match with Greater Western Sydney in Albury.
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The Swans have not yet finalised how much time Franklin will run out in the six-quarter game, but the 35-year-old is being considered to clock up some minutes.
In the last season of his blockbuster nine-year deal with Sydney, Franklin requires five more goals to become just the sixth player to join the exclusive 1000-goal club.
Former Saint Paddy McCartin also appears in line for a Round 1 berth with the Swans.
McCartin has impressed coaches with his efforts, as he seeks to revive his AFL career following a two-year hiatus because of repeat concussions.
Signed last month under pre-season supplemental selection period rules, the 2014 No.1 pick draft pick is intended to be tried in the Swan’s backline due to their depth up forward.
With his brother Tom McCartin and skipper Dane Rampe already locked in as key defenders, McCartin currently sits in a three-way selection battle with Lewis Melican and Sam Reid for the last tall backman spot.