LANCE Franklin's selection as the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian captain should not be questioned, according to the Sydney superstar's teammates.

Franklin earned a record-equaling eighth selection in the AFL's team of the year on Wednesday night and while his position in the forward line was never in question, his selection as skipper of the star-studded 22 caused fierce debate in the footy world.

Those who object to the captaincy being given to the five-time Coleman medallist have pointed to the fact that Franklin isn't part of the Swans' leadership group and has never held any leadership role since arriving at the club at the end of 2013. 

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This is despite the fact that internally, Sydney players, coaches and officials have continually lauded Franklin's impact on the club, and not just in terms of his outstanding goalkicking feats. 

Many suggested that West Coast's Shannon Hurn should have been named captain, as the only club skipper picked in this season's All Australian line-up.

But Kieren Jack, himself a former co-captain of the Swans, told AFL.com.au on Thursday that official role or not, people outside the footy club have no idea how much influence Franklin has on the playing group.

"His leadership and what he provides to our forward group can't be denied," he said.

"He is quietly spoken but when he does speak everyone listens, and he's said some things this year that have really hit home with us.

"He's seen a lot in the game and he's achieved more than most, it's an incredible thing to make eight All Australian teams, and now to be named captain is well deserved."

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Sydney speedster Will Hayward has formed a close bond with Franklin in his two seasons at the club, and as part of a youthful forward group surrounding the game's best forward, gets plenty of lessons from his champion teammate.

Hayward told AFL.com.au that Franklin's incredible playing ability takes the focus away from the selfless side of his performances, and he's just as helpful off the field as he is on game day.

"We've got a very young forward line so we all look to him for guidance, and he embraces that, he's our leader," he said.

"He's really patient with us and calm about it all, and he very rarely gives us a spray or anything out there.

"For someone that's had a career that he's had he gives us so much confidence, and he understands that we're all still learning so his direction is vital.

"In team review or forward meetings, he's always educating us and is the first to speak up about what he's seen from certain opposition players."