SYDNEY Swans star Lance Franklin isn't interested in looking back on last year's Grand Final, and the shattering loss isn't something he will use as motivation this season.
Franklin was the No.1 story of last year's decider, taking on the Hawthorn team he had left 12 months earlier, standing up to a physical battering and, with the result settled, accepting a kiss on the neck from former teammate Luke Hodge.
By his own admission Franklin is enjoying a more settled life in Sydney than he was in his first pre-season with the Swans, and he wants to put the 63-point loss to bed and focus on 2015.
"Personally, I haven't really thought about the Grand Final too much, it's this year for me, this year and beyond," Franklin said.
"There's no point looking back now, it's in the past and we know what we've got to do as a football club to get better.
"There were a lot of in-house things that were said, but that'll stay between the footy club.
"In terms of motivation, personally I don't need that [Grand Final] motivation to really get up."
Sixteen months after leaving the Hawks and moving north on a nine-year deal, Franklin says he is more at ease in the harbour city, and that can only help his football in 2015.
Aside from some management of his right knee, which was troublesome in 2014, the 28-year-old has also been buoyed by a more productive pre-season.
"It was a modified program for the first couple of weeks, and it's still a little bit modified, but I've been able to get out there and get amongst the boys and train," Franklin said.
"That's the most important thing for me, to be able to get through the sessions and be out there and get that connection with our midfielders and forwards.
"Being more settled and more comfortable, knowing your surroundings and your way around the football club, that can definitely make you play better football."
Franklin was still a star in his first season with the Swans, kicking 79 goals and winning the Coleman Medal. However, his year got off to a rocky start off the field.
First teammate Dan Hannebery borrowed his car and was involved in a collision in March. Then one month later, Franklin crashed his partner's Jeep into four parked cars.
Reflecting on his move north, Franklin said getting out of his comfort zone had made him grow as a person in Sydney.
"Coming into a new football club can be difficult for anyone, but for me there were a few little things that popped up at the start of the season that were unfortunate," he said.
"Things happen that's life and people do make mistakes … (but) I think I'm a lot more settled than I was last year.
"It's been a completely different change for me and something I've really enjoyed."
