Sydney Swans coach John Longmire says star forward Lance Franklin was on managed minutes in Saturday’s 17-point loss against the Bulldogs.
Franklin had an lacklustre night, kicking one goal to go along with his seven disposals.
Despite the All-Australian captain being hampered by a groin injury in the pre-season, Longmire conceded that he needed his star forward out on the park for Round 1.
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“He was (on managed minutes),” the Swans coach said.
“We knew he was going to be time-limited and we decided to make the decision and put him into the team.
“We need to get him playing, he certainly trained more than what he trained last year but hopefully he can get going in regards to the training program.
“We’re going on a six-day break next week.
“If he’s able to get through that, he should be able to improve his minutes playing wise.”
Longmire admits that match-day fitness was going to be an issue for Franklin, but he is confident with the 32-year-old's training regime.
“Over the last three weeks, he’s been doing all the sessions,” the Sydney coach said.
“Once you get into the game mode, the challenge is to be able to recover and still train.
“Up until the last three and half weeks, he’s been doing all the sessions.”
The Swans will aim to get their first win of the season against the Crows on Friday at the SCG.
