Star forward Lance Franklin spoke to the media ahead of our Round 1 clash against Collingwood at the SCG on Saturday night.
Take a look at some of the key quotes from Franklin as he prepares for his first game back since missing the 2015 finals series with a mental health issue.
Looking forward to return
“It has been five or six months since I last played so I am really excited about getting out there to play. It has been a long pre-season but I can’t wait to get out there on Saturday night at the SCG in front of a big crowd.”
On his pre-season campaign
“John and I spoke about how I wanted to play most games so I was fortunate enough to play all three games. That is a really good lead in to Round 1 for me so that was really good. It is the fittest I have been since moving up here because I have been able to do most training sessions so my confidence is up leading into the season.”
On playing more time in the midfield
“I enjoyed my time up there but whether I have to go up there during games as the season goes on I am happy to do that if it is my role for the club.”
On always wanting to return
“There was never any doubt in my mind that I was going to come back. I love playing football, that's what I love to do. I love training and being around the football club so for me that was a no-brainer. It was about getting myself right off the field (and) mentally preparing as best as I possibly could, and getting back here on December 1, training as hard as possible and getting my body in the best possible shape for round one. I was able to do that but now the fun begins."
Dealing with his mental health issue
It is definitely ongoing for me, but I've got to continue to speak to those people around me and get on with it as best I can. The biggest thing for me was having that support network around me, and I'm fortunate to have that and I'm very grateful. If I'm having a bad day or a good day it’s just about being open with the way I speak to everyone and I just want to play football. Footy is a massive part of my life so for me getting back has been amazing.
Tackling Collingwood on Saturday night
“It is very exciting to get back to the SCG on a Saturday night against one of the biggest Victorian clubs in Collingwood. It has been a long pre-season for everyone so now the fun begins and we look forward to the challenge.”
Secure your tickets for our Round 1 blockbuster against Collingwood as we return home to the SCG!
