John Longmire isnt exactly counting down the goals until Lance Franklin hits the 1000 mark, like the rest of the AFL world. But he is keeping tabs on what people are saying about his comeback season, and how some of those calls have aged like milk.
Its interesting, Longmire said. Two weeks ago there probably was commentary that he was looking like he was struggling a bit. Its very much week-to-week, isnt it? Its how you went on the weekend, thats what the outside commentary is generally about.
John Longmire is happy with how Lance Franklins fitness is trending.Credit:Getty
Two weeks ago, there were indeed some doubts in AFL punditry about Franklins fitness and longevity when he was held to just the fifth scoreless game of his career against Melbourne – a rusty return after two weeks out with bone bruising in his knee. But the way the champion forward turned back the clock with a vintage six-goal haul on the weekend was the ideal riposte.
Franklin pulled up well from the two-point loss to Fremantle, trained on Tuesday, and is firmly on track to be the SCGs marquee attraction on Sunday when the Swans face Carlton in their annual Marn Grook game.
Longmire is typically circumspect about most matters publicly, and especially the Sydney Swans superstars slow return to full fitness and the expectations on him after a full year out of the game. But the coach allowed himself a wry smile when the inevitable questions on Buddy came his way.
It always makes you feel a bit better after youve kicked six, Longmire said. Its great to see, he was really out there moving a lot more freely and really enjoying that aspect of footy.
Internally, we have a medium to longer-term focus for him … you just try and make sure you keep him on his program and get some continuous training and playing under his belt. There might be fluctuations from week to week, like any player in form, but we want to build a pretty resilient, robust body with him and thats what the aim is. Doesnt mean its bulletproof, but thats what were working towards.
We dont expect him to play every game from here to the end of the year but you need a few games in succession to be able to get the momentum and rhythm going, and importantly the synergy amongst your forward line group – thats just as important as anything.
Its not lost on Longmire that in Franklins two best performances of the season – on the weekend against the Dockers, and his five-goal turn against GWS in the Sydney derby – the Swans were beaten on both occasions. Disappointed with the third-term drop-off that let Fremantle into the match after leading by 21 points, Longmire was at least pleased that they came back and pushed them to the wire.