DESPITE not having had a serious hit-out since last month's Grand Final, Lance Franklin is confident he'll be ready to go in the International Rules Series' first Test on Saturday night.
Franklin did not join the Australian squad in Ireland until late on Wednesday, missing their opening three training sessions and a practice match against a local college representative team.
The newly-signed Sydney Swan told reporters in Cavan on Thursday his late start to the Australian team's tour had been unavoidable.
"I had to go to see my sister in France because she's just due for her second baby, so I spent a little bit of time with the family and then I came down for the first game," Franklin said.
Franklin has not played International Rules since he represented an Australian under-17 team against Ireland almost 10 years ago, but said he had been practising with the round ball recently and was confident of adjusting.
"The AFL sent out a few balls before we came across so we've had a kick with them," he said.
"It's been OK, it's a little bit different, but I'm really excited about it.
"The boys are all pumped and can't wait to play on Saturday night. It's going to be a big game…
"It will be my first run around since the Grand Final so I would think I'll be blowing very early."
Franklin will fly out of Ireland the morning after the first Test to attend former teammate Brent Guerra's wedding.
The two-time Coleman medallist said it would be disappointing to miss the second Test, but was hopeful he could help set up an Australian series win in the first game.
"Hopefully I'll leave with a best-on-ground for the first Test," he said.
Franklin said the past few weeks had been hectic since his departure from Hawthorn, with the trip to Ireland providing some respite.
"It's been a whirlwind but it was good to get across and see my family and obviously to see all the boys here," he said.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to Sydney too and playing football there," he said.
One of the few areas the Australians struggled in their practice match on Wednesday was ruck contests.
As the tallest player in the Australian squad by some margin, Franklin could provide an immediate solution in the first Test.
