SYDNEY Swans star Lance Franklin will continue to receive support for his ongoing mental health issues, but is psychologically ready to resume his playing career, according to coach John Longmire.
Franklin hit the training track on Tuesday morning for the first time since early September after taking indefinite leave to undergo treatment for an undisclosed mental health issue.
The three-time Coleman Medal winner missed the Swans' two finals against Fremantle and North Melbourne as the club crashed out of the finals.
It was the start of pre-season for most of the Swans' squad and Franklin looked fit and happy to be back among the group.
Longmire told a large media contingent that he was confident that the football club was the best place for Franklin to be.
"Whether it's our physios, our doctors or psychologists, we're guided by the professionals who are best equipped to help that particular player, and Lance is no different," Longmire said.
"I think it's a good sign that he's back here and where he wants to be.
"Ultimately, he feels really comfortable training and playing, and like any player, they thrive on that camaraderie of the playing group.
"They thrive on the spirit of battle on the football ground, they thrive to try and get better as players, and Lance is certainly no different even though he's got a higher profile then any other player on our list.
"Today is the first step in that and he's ready to go for what we hope is a really strong pre-season."
Longmire said it was early days, but he was hopeful that Franklin would be ready for the start of the 2016 premiership season.
"As we sit here at the moment we haven't got any player ruled out for round one," Longmire said.
"But it is only the first of December so there is a long way to go, but we expect all of our players to be ready for round one.
"We know that over the course of the pre-season that various challenges happen, injuries or whatever, but we expect Lance to be available at this point."
All smiles for Buddy as he returns to training. Pictures: AFL Media
