LANCE Franklin will return for Sydney's clash with Richmond in what will almost certainly be the veteran forward's last appearance at the MCG.
Franklin has missed the Swans' past three games with knee soreness but will be a welcome inclusion for Thursday night's must-win match against the Tigers.
MEDICAL ROOM Check out the full injury list
After blowing a golden opportunity in drawing with Geelong last Friday night, last year's Grand Finalists (6-1-8) need to keep winning to be any chance of finishing inside the top eight.
The last game Sydney played at the MCG, Franklin was booed by Collingwood fans every time he touched the ball in scenes that bewildered the AFL community.
The 36-year-old has been involved in two premierships at the famous ground, while playing in a further four Grand Final defeats with the Swans and Hawthorn.
Franklin, who has played 350 games and kicked 1059 goals, will almost certainly end his legendary career when the Swans' campaign ends, after 19 AFL seasons.
To play at the MCG again Sydney would have to make an unlikely late-season run and play a final at the ground.
Franklin will come back into Sydney's team for young tall Joel Amartey, who will be managed against the Tigers.
A hamstring injury kept Amartey sidelined for seven weeks and the Swans say they wanted to take a "proactive approach" with the 23-year-old.
Star midfielder Chad Warner will miss at least another game after sitting out the match against Geelong with a calf issue.
