No one was injured in the accident, but the Swans have confirmed Franklin had lent the luxury Mercedes to Hannebery, and the car was then involved in an accident "a number of weeks ago".

 

A report by Fairfax suggested the car was uninsured and has therefore been written off, but the Swans deny that is the case.

 

"The Sydney Swans can confirm that Lance Franklin’s car was involved in an accident a number of weeks ago," a statement released on Monday night read.

 

"Franklin had lent the car to teammate Dan Hannebery. Franklin was not driving nor was he a passenger in the car.

 

"Contrary to media reports, Franklin’s car is insured. No one was injured in the incident. The club will make no further comment."

 

Franklin is already under fire from some critics after just one game for his new club, following a quiet one-goal debut in last Saturday's upset loss to Greater Western Sydney.

 

It would seem an incredibly premature reaction to his first appearance as the superstar learns the ropes at the Swans, but it is an indication of the kind of scrutiny he will be subjected to across his unprecedented nine-year deal.

 

Franklin has also been a regular in celebrity newspaper pages and in gossip magazines since his move to Sydney, while a report emerged that he suffered a seizure and was taken to hospital shortly after the new year.