By Malcolm Conn
Lance Franklin is the X-factor player who can inspire the rising Swans to a premiership that would be his crowning glory.
If Franklin, 35, takes the Swans to title glory it would be a fitting return for the faith the club showed in the potent forward when it signed him on a soon-to-expire $10 million, nine-year deal.
Swans coach John Longmire is hopeful that Franklin’s decision to put off contract negotiations to the end of the season has given the veteran a clear head for the play-offs, beginning with Friday night’s qualifying final against Melbourne at the MCG.
“We hope it’s a real advantage,” Longmire said on Wednesday. “The way he’s been playing has been really good.
“He’s absolutely invested in the way we’re going and loves playing at this time of the year. It’s what he really loves doing. It’s great that he’ll be enjoying the moment at the MCG in front of a huge crowd.”
In 25 finals games for Hawthorn and the Swans, Franklin has kicked 72 goals, more than any other current player.
The Swans’ Lance Franklin has kicked more goals in finals than any other current player.Credit: Getty
During a season in which he has created great moments in history, becoming just the sixth player to kick 1000 career goals, Franklin can also march up the finals goal-kicking ladder. He needs just two to equal Richmond favourite from 90 years ago Jack Titus, and six to join Jason Dunstall. Gordon Coventry’s 111 goals from 31 finals, almost a century earlier, stands alone.
Franklin has played in five grand finals for two premierships, but both were at Hawthorn. He missed out with the Swans in 2014 and 2016.
Neither Franklin nor his likely opponent, key defender Steve May, played in their mid-season clash, when the Swans upset the reigning premiers by two goals.
“He’s playing against a high-quality All Australian defender this week,” Longmire said of Franklin. “Those two players didn’t play last time we met Melbourne, so they get an opportunity to go again this week, and I’m sure it’ll be a great contest.”
Lance Franklin at training on Wednesday.Credit: Phil Hillyard
The victory against Melbourne reinforced the Swans’ credentials as a quality team.
“Our contest work and pressure work is always important and was important in that game, and it’s going to need to be on Friday night,” Longmire said.
“Win your 50-50s, and when they get it apply really strong, effective tackles, that’s always important. High-quality pressure around the contest is always what you lay your foundation on in finals footy.”
Despite the Swans’ victory, Melbourne captain and ruckman Max Gawn dominated the clash. With understudy Luke Jackson, they form the most dangerous ruck combination in the game.
Sam Reid has become an important part of the Swans team again.Credit: Phil Hillyard
Swans counterpart Tom Hickey will have a central role to play, with support from pinch-hitting forward Sam Reid, who has been in career-best form in the second half of the season.
Plagued by injuries and inconsistency in recent seasons Reid, 30, played just four of the first 11 rounds before a breakout match against Melbourne saw him gather 16 possessions, kick three goals for a second successive week and, most importantly, lay 10 tackles.
In 15 matches this season he has laid 69 tackles, the most in any campaign of his 13-year career.
Reid will need to be at his best again on Friday to counter Gawn and Jackson.
“We understand that Max last game, particularly in the second half, his contested marking and ability around the contest is elite,” Longmire said.
“He and Jackson are as good a combination as there is going around. He’s a very strong captain and we talk about ways that we can reduce his influence.”
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