This was published 8 years ago
Lance Franklin among star Sydney Swans trio named to play St Kilda Saints
By Andrew Wu
Lance Franklin has just one more hurdle to clear before making his return from injury as Sydney muscle up for the run into the finals.
Franklin, Gary Rohan and Tom Mitchell are all in line to be recalled by the Swans for their clash with St Kilda - a game they must win to keep their hold on fourth spot.
Star Swans forward Lance Franklin speaks to his teammates during a training session at the SCG.Credit: Getty Images
The trio were named in the Swans' 25-man squad on Thursday night and need only to get through training on Friday to line up against the Saints on Sunday.
All three players are in the Sydney's best 22 and would significantly strengthen a side which crushed Greater Western Sydney last week.
The match will be vital for Franklin and Rohan, who are both short of match practice after an injury-interrupted second half of the season.
"We'll give them every chance to prove their fitness and play on Sunday," Swans coach John Longmire said.
"They did various things and all what was required of them…the good news is it's all looking positive for all three of them at the moment."
"Tom's ability in and around the stoppages in contested ball situations has been at a very high level.
"Lance has missed a few games, obviously it'll be good to get him back in the team and we all know what Gary can provide at his best."
Mitchell has been given the green light to train after being poked in the eye last week and will play if he gets a final positive report from his eye specialist.
Mitchell was advised not to play last week due to fears a knock would spread the bleeding behind his eye and lead to more damage.
After a disappointing 2014, Mitchell has established himself as a regular in the Swans' midfield. The 22-year-old is coming off a career-best game, against Collingwood, where he collected 41 possessions.
The prolific ball-winner has improved his fitness, which has allowed him to also play as a midfield stopper on the likes of Joel Selwood, Sam Mitchell and Travis Boak.
"You need to be versatile in this day and age," Mitchell said.
"I've learned about my body. Last year I had a fair few injuries which kept me out from games and training, my fitness wasn't up to the level it is now.
"Over the pre-season that was something I worked on to get a lot fitter and have an overall improvement in my game. I think Ive learnt about how ot manage injuries, when to push, when I'm better to rest and recover."