Fit, firing Franklin a concern for GWS

THERE aren’t many scarier sights for an AFL defender than a fresh, fit and firing Lance Franklin in full flight.

But that’s exactly what the GWS backline is bracing for as the well-rested Sydney superstar ambles to centre halfforward for Saturday’s elimination final at the SCG.

Come the opening bounce of the sudden-death clash, Franklin will not have played a competitive minute of football in 21 days after missing the Swans’ Round-23 loss to Hawthorn with a groin problem.

But those last regular-season minutes were some of his best of the year, coming as the recently crowned All-Australian captain booted five goals to lay waste to the Giants’ topfour aspirations. With the 20point defeat still front of mind, high-flying intercept defender Nick Hayne is well aware GWS will be getting a far less banged-up version of Franklin this time around.

“He’s a superstar of the game and has had another wonderful year,” Hayne said.

“He’ll have two weeks off to freshen up and he’s going to come out firing.”

GWS skipper Phil Davis is the probable first-choice option, and defensive reinforcements Aiden Corr, Sam Taylor and Zac Williams are putting their hands up for a recall.

Key back Adam Tomlinson has welcomed the group’s impending return.

“We do have the chance to get a few key defenders back,” the 25-year-old said. “But at the same time, Phil does a terrific job every time he plays on Buddy. He’s probably got one of the best records in the competition on him.”