Sydney football boss Tom Harley has explained the process behind Lance Franklin’s shock return to the senior team this weekend.
Swans coach John Longmire ruled Franklin out on Monday, but he, along with Dan Hannebery, were named in the squad last night for Dan Robinson and Dean Towers.
“We weren’t expecting him (Franklin) to play to be perfectly honest on Monday,” Harley told SEN Breakfast.
“These things, and from experience I’ve had a bruised heel myself, they can turn and turn pretty quick.
“If we go back four weeks ago when he had the episode in the Adelaide game, he basically couldn’t walk and had to get around the first couple of days on crutches.
“That progressed to walking to running to training last week, he trained last Wednesday and he presented on Tuesday, after the announcement on Monday saying he is ready to go.
“We gave him that opportunity and he trained yesterday morning and trained well. Lance will play for sure.”
Harley also said Hannebery has made a full recovery from his groin ailment, but concedes the returning duo need to have altered expectations for the clash against Fremantle.
“Hanners has recovered from the minor groin strain,” he said.
“He had some OP issues last year, so a totally separate injury.
“He has had two good weeks on the track, so Dan comes in.
“When you look at the ins with Franklin and Hannebery, we are happy with that.
“Both missed three games of footy, so we temper your expectations accordingly. Really pleased to have those two quality players back in the side.”
You can listen to the Swans and Dockers clash live on 1116 SEN this Saturday night from 7:20pm with Tristan Foenander and Brent Staker.
Listen to Tom Harley's chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below