Lance Franklin could make an AFL return as early as next weekend after impressing in a reserves scratch-match against GWS on Sunday morning.
The champion goal kicker played two quarters in torrid conditions at the Giants’ Olympic Park headquarters in his first competitive appearance since Round 23, 2019.
Vince Rugari from the Sydney Morning Herald reported that the 34-year-old looked fit and moved freely, kicking one behind.
The superstar missed all of last season to soft-tissue injuries, but now could be a chance to return to the AFL sooner than expected.
The appearance in today’s clash marks a major milestone for Franklin after Sydney coach John Longmire told SEN in the pre-season that the club would take a cautious “day by day” approach to his fitness and availability.
Sydney take on Adelaide next Saturday at the SCG, and Franklin could line up alongside draftee tall Logan McDonald, who kicked 3 goals in his winning debut against Brisbane in Round 1.