Franklin ruled out again

LANCE Franklin has been ruled out for the Sydney Swans’ home AFL clash with Fremantle, with no sign of when the superstar forward will return.

While Dan Hannebery is a chance to return from a groin injury to face the Dockers at the SCG on Saturday, Franklin continues to suffer from the bruised heel that’s kept him out for the last three rounds.

“We probably suspected that after last week when he (Franklin) couldn’t get up ... we gave him a go last week and he didn’t get there so he’s not going to play this week,” coach John Longmire said yesterday.

At Adelaide, the Crows downplayed injury concerns to captain Taylor Walker and Sam Jacobs, who could miss Friday night’s AFL game against Western Bulldogs to be at the birth of his first child.

Walker (glute tightness) and Jacobs (back spasms) both reported injuries during the Crows’ last-minute loss to Port on Saturday, although both played out the game.

Adelaide backman Daniel Talia says he expects Walker and Jacobs to be fit to face the Dogs at Adelaide Oval, though Jacobs’ availability depends on when his wife gives birth.

His wife, Izzy, is due to give birth midweek.

“He has come out and said if she goes into labour he will be there,” Talia told reporters yesterday.

“It’s a pretty common thing these days, put family ahead of one game of footy. It will be their first child and a pretty special moment for Sauce.”