Sydney star forward Lance Franklin is set to miss Saturday's clash against Richmond at the MCG as the club have reportedly decided to rest their key-man.
Franklin returned to the Swans' lineup last weekend in what was his first AFL game since Round 23, 2019.
The 34-year-old booted three goals against the Crows in what was a stellar outing for the 300-game veteran.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Despite the promising return, 7Newsย reporter Tom Browne revealed on Thursday afternoon that Franklin would miss this weekend's clash against the reigning premiers.
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Buddy Franklin didnโt fly with Sydney and wonโt play against Richmond, he has been rested after one week @7NewsMelbourne @triplemfooty @7AFL
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) April 1, 2021
The Swans and Tigers both sit 2-0 after the opening two rounds, with the former impressing with their young list in wins over Brisbane and Adelaide.
Sydney defender Jake Lloyd told reporters on Thursday that he was confident Franklin would be lining up against Richmond, however Browne's report now suggests the Sydney spearhead will miss this week.
The Swans' final team lineups will be announced at 6:20pm AEDT on Friday.
Jake Lloyd was wrong! The Swans' media team did a ring around about an hour after the presser saying Jake *might've* been off the mark, and that's now confirmed.
Lance Franklin has been managed for the Tigers match and didn't travel to Melbourne. He won't play in R3. https://t.co/EL4T7zH0zP
— Marc McGowan ๐ฃโ๏ธ๐จ๐ปโ๐ป๐ฐ (@ByMarcMcGowan) April 1, 2021
Awesome April Fools gag from @J_Lloyd_10 https://t.co/x2u8wexrK8
— Daniel Cherny ๐ฐ (@DanielCherny) April 1, 2021
