Against Richmond in round 14, Franklin equalled his career-high for tackles in a game with seven, before breaking that mark with eight just a fortnight later against West Coast at Patersons Stadium.
Speaking to Triple M Sydney’s Rush Hour program on Thursday night, Goodes said it was these efforts by Franklin off the ball, as well as his goals, which were showing on the scoreboard.
“He’s a fantastic player, and he was always going to stand up in those big games for us, and it’s just great for Buddy and his confidence,” Goodes said.
“Everyone from outside the club sees him kicking goals, (and) kicking the big goals to win games for us at crucial times, but it’s the small things for me.
“It’s the chasing, it’s the tackling, it’s the one-percenters that he’s doing in that forward line, and creating turnovers in that forward 50, that’s been the real highlight when I watch Buddy and give him feedback.”
Goodes, who has chipped in with multiple goals in five of his 11 appearances so far in 2014, says he is enjoying teaming up with the likes of Franklin, Kurt Tippett and Sam Reid, and sharing the load against the opposition’s defence.
“It is nice to get in that forward line and get the third tallest defender down there, because the other two (opposition) talls have to pick up Buddy and Tippo,” Goodes said.
“It usually means that I do get a mismatch and I’ve got to utilise that the best that I can for the team.
“It is nice not being the ‘big dog’ down there anymore, and I’m happy to be third or fourth dog behind those big fellas.”
With the Swans next in action against Hawthorn at the MCG in a week’s time, Goodes said the bye weekend had come at an ideal time with vital players set to resume after the break.
“For us, the most exciting time was that we were able to get a break (and) get some rest,” he said.
“A few of our key players, like Dan Hannebery and Kurt Tippett, are using this extra time (and) hopefully we can get them back for the Hawthorn game.
“It’s the perfect time of year for this second bye, but what it does do - it sets us up for the last six rounds of the season.”
