Lance Franklin is ready to have one of the best seasons of his career according to Sydney Swans coach John Longmire.
Franklin was back for his second week of pre-season as the entire Swans squad returned to Moore Park today.
Longmire was seriously impressed with Buddy and believes the 32-year-old looks primed to get back to his best.
"Yeah it’s unusual, we haven’t seen him running around like this certainly since he’s been here," Longmire said to reporters on Monday.
"It’s great to have him back training and he’s been back for a few weeks and running well.
"He’s into the skills component and that’ll build before Christmas, so it's terrific to have him up and about this time of year."
Longmire lamented that much of Franklin's Swans career has been plagued by injury that has seen him unable to fully participate in pre-season.
But ahead of 2020, Longmire believes he is in great physical shape before a massive year for the forward.
"He’s looking in really good condition at the moment and he’s probably as light as he has been at this time of year, so that’s good," Longmire said.
"He’s done a number of pre-seasons, he’s been around for a fair while so he understands what he needs to get himself right.
"I’m sure he’ll be able to balance that from week to week how he’s feeling but it’s great to see him out there training and looking really strong.
"This is the earliest we’ve been training for ten years so it’s a bit unusual for all of us and Lance will use that opportunity to get himself nice and strong."
.@Buddy_Franklin steaming through 👊🏾 #ProudlySydney pic.twitter.com/rGcYIObHar
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 14, 2019
Franklin is also expecting the birth of his first child with partner Jesinta in early 2020.
Longmire was also asked about Tom Papley, who was unsuccessful in his bid to return to Melbourne.
It was a part of the failed deal to get Joe Daniher to Sydney but Longmire was adamant that a professional Papley won't let the failed move get to him.
"I can only go from what I’ve seen and he’s [Papley] terrific, he’s come back in good nick, he almost got his PB in his run this morning so that’s a really good sign," Longmire said.
"He comes back and jumps right into it, he’s a really enthusiastic, popular member of our footy team and he’s a professional.
"He’ll get out there and get into it and that’s what he’s done and that’s what he’ll continue to do, we’re really confident in that."
Longmire said that he had spoken with Papley about his future and didn't rule out the small forward leaving the club in the future.
"Those discussions are always ongoing, it’s not just one big chat," Longmire said.
"You’re always discussing things with all of your players and Tom’s no different.
"Obviously with what happened in the off-season, you discuss that and then it’s a matter of what his preseason looks like.
"We’re really confident that he’ll be an important player to our team this year."
