SYDNEY superstar Lance Franklin is back.
Franklin has been cleared to face Collingwood at the SCG on Friday night in a massive boost for the home side's chances of upsetting the Magpies.
The four-time Coleman medallist has missed the past four matches with a hamstring injury but will return in the Marngrook game to kick-off Sir Doug Nicholls Round, a fitting time to make his comeback as one of the greatest indigenous players of all-time.
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Coach John Longmire said Franklin moved well at training on Wednesday night and did enough to show that he was ready to take on the Pies
"He did the whole session and looked good. He is back in the team and it is great to have him back," Longmire said.
MATCH PREVIEW Swans v Pies
The inclusion of Franklin places significant pressure on a Collingwood defence that will be missing key duo Darcy Moore (ankle) and Tom Langdon (knee).
Former Western Bulldog Jordan Roughead or high flyer Jeremy Howe could be given the task of taking on the much bigger Swan, or the Pies could opt to send Ben Reid back in a bid to counter Franklin.
With Franklin, Reid's brother Sam, and youngster Tom McCartin, the Swans have a mobile trio of talls available as they attempt to win a third straight game.