Sydney star Lance Franklin could miss more than half of the AFL season after sustaining a serious hamstring injury.
Franklin hurt his hamstring doing some running drills at training on Wednesday and had a scan on Thursday.
He won’t be able to resume running for 3-4 weeks.
“It’s slightly worse than the (hamstring) injury he sustained last year when he missed about nine weeks, that might be an indication, but we just don’t know until he get into his rehabilitation and we see how he progresses,”‘ Swans’ general manager of football Charlie Gardiner.
“We will obviously be guided by the medical team; they are also seeking advice in relation to the best treatment and management of the injury going forward.”
Gardiner said it was a new injury on Franklin’s right leg.
“Probably one of the positives is that there’s no tendon damage in the hamstring,” Gardiner said
The 33-year-old spearhead, who is in the seventh season of a lucrative nine-year deal, played only nine games in 2019, bringing up his 300th appearance in the Swans’ final fixture of the season.
His wife Jesinta said she had seen some nasty comments online about Franklin and stressed the mental toll that injuries took on players.
“When they hurt themselves or they injure themselves, it’s actually mentally extremely challenging,’” she told Channel Seven.
“”I think people just need to be really understanding of that.
“He is really tough, he has been playing for 17 years now.”
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Could do one better than Richo and get the Brownlow off the wing BM.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Unless the AFL let Sydney transfer his contract to a coaching one buddy will be around for awhile yet everyone, too many years left to walk from and the AFL won't play nice as every other club would be ropeable.
Nick
Roar Guru
I think 1000 goals is a bridge too far now. He's on 944. On current form that's going to require 21-22 games of football. Factoring in this is a shortened season, he's going to miss over half of it now, he'll likely get rested from time to time next year then he's unlikely to get to the figure until the late rounds in 2021. Very, very unlikely his body will hang on till then.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
It's unfortunate that big Bud has probably done his dash. Was a great player to watch.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Buddy will be back, nothing surer but how he plays will need to change if he's any chance of cracking the 1000 goal, let alone creeping past Jack Titus on the all time goals ladder. Really wonder how he'll adapt to life post footy. Brand ambassador seems a pretty soulless endeavor.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yes Yattz, it finished off Bucks too.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I think buddy has played his last game. Hammy is an old mans desease.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
That 9 year contract really looking like a shocking waste of money.
Admiral Ackbar
Guest
The Swans probably play better without Buddy, with him in the side they’re too predictable.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Bad news, yes. Surprising news, no.