SYDNEY could unleash Lance Franklin and Daniel Menzel in the same forward line in the next fortnight if the pair has plenty of luck, but round 11 looks more likely to be the gun goalkickers' first game together at the Swans.
Franklin and Menzel underwent groin surgery late last year and spent most of the summer in rehabilitation, but setbacks for both players have pushed their returns to the field back further than the Swans had hoped for.
The Swans could have Franklin – who kicked 11 goals in the first five matches of the season – available to face North Melbourne on Saturday after missing the past three games with a hamstring strain, but he'll need to train strongly to prove his fitness.
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Coach John Longmire said he's still unsure if Franklin will be ready to face the Kangaroos.
"We have to make sure we follow our really detailed plan and have him ready to go when he's right to play," he said on Monday.
"Whether that's this week or next week it's too early to tell, so we'll see how he goes on Tuesday and Thursday and make the call then.
"He ran last week and felt a little bit tight and didn't feel great at training, so he stopped.
"That puts you back a few days and every day counts.
"We're very clear that if he's not right to go then we won't play him."
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Meanwhile, Menzel – who was set to take the field in late March until he tweaked his groin again at training – made a successful return with three goals in the NEAFL on Saturday.
The former Geelong forward played on limited minutes and was handy without being a massive influence in the Swans' win over Sydney University.
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If he does spend two more matches in the reserves before being picked for an AFL return, his first game as a Swan would be against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium in round 11.
"We probably won't be looking at Daniel this week, but he got through on the weekend and hopefully he pulls up well and gets some more training under his belt," he said.
"We'd like him to play a bit more footy in the reserves so he's not only able to contribute when he plays at senior level, but there's less risk of (another) injury."
