Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin will play on in the red and white, signing a 1 year contract extension.

The 35-year-old was in the final year of his huge nine-year deal and decided to play on for one more season with the Swans.

“I am so proud I get to go on for another year, and that’s great, but my main focus is this week,” Franklin said.

“It has been a long process to come to this decision, it hasn’t been easy. I have been in the game for a long time, I have a young family now so it was a hard decision but my passion for the game, my love for this football club and my heart is still here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Next season will be Franklin’s 19^th season at the top level, but the star forward is just focusing on this week’s Grand Final against Geelong.

“It’s what we play football for, to play in Grand Finals, and there is another opportunity this week to get out there and do what I love.”

“It is going to be a difficult job. Geelong have won 15 in a row so they are in some fantastic form and we are playing some good football so we are going to have to go down there and give it our all.”

“You don’t take things for granted this game. It’s not a given that you are going to rock up and get into a Grand Final. There is a lot of work that goes into it and sometimes you get lucky. They are hard to get into but we are fortunate enough to be down there this weekend.” 

Franklin has kicked 52 goals in 22 appearances for the Swans this season, including breaking the remarkable 1000 tally in Round 2 against the Geelong Cats.

Franklin admits the decision to play on was a tough one, and contemplated retirement.

“50-50 [chance to call it quits] if I were to be honest. As the year went on and I spoke to the people that I care about, the decision was made clear that I need to go on. There is obviously unfinished business and we obviously have the opportunity to win a Grand Final this week and I still feel I have a little bit left to give.”

Saturday’s Grand Final will be Franklin’s 314^th AFL appearance.