Sydney Swans superstar Buddy Franklin has made a giant leap towards a return after completing full training on Tuesday ahead of the Swans' final round clash against St, Kilda at the SCG on Saturday.
The 299-gamer has been sidelined with a hamstring issue suffered back in round 14 against former club Hawthorn and appears almost certain to complete his massive 300-game milestone against the Saints this weekend.
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) August 20, 2019
Given it was a re-occurring injury, the club has managed Franklin's training load in recent weeks, but Tuesday's session gave the clearest sign yet that he is ready to return.
The Swans marquee man was spotted running freely and kicking long, and stayed back after the session to practice his set shots, according to AFL.com.au's Adam Curley.
More: Dockers president says need for new direction reason for double sacking
A sight to behold for @SydneySwans fans: @Buddy_Franklin back at training this morning in his bid return to play his 300th game, via @BenHorne8 https://t.co/g84vd6X6OF #AFL pic.twitter.com/aztqQ8ag1W
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) August 20, 2019
“Lance has trained solidly now for three weeks and put in another solid session this morning,” Swans head of football Charlie Gardiner said on Tuesday.
“From a medical perspective he has ticked all the boxes and the medical team are confident that he is ready to go.
“Assuming he gets through training on Thursday he will line up for his 300th game this weekend, which is very exciting.”
It's been a turbulent year for the 2012 premiers, who will miss the finals for the first time in ten years, but with the emergence of a plethora of young talent within the club's ranks, Franklin's 300 would be the icing on the cake.
In further positive news for the Bloods, retiring veteran Jarrad McVeigh will also return to bolster the side's defensive stocks, after being sidelined due to a calf strain suffered in the NEAFL in July.
McVeigh - who has been a key part in the club's stunning success over the past decade and beyond - announced his decision to hang up the boots two weeks ago, and will be given a famous farewell on the SCG on Saturday if he, like Franklin, can get through the side's Thursday session.
