Sydney Swans coach John Longmire addressed the media after training on Monday morning.

Sydney’s senior players returned for their opening day of the pre-season on Monday, joining the club’s second- to fifth-year players who began their third week.

Here are some key quotes from the press conference.

Lance Franklin’s pre-season training

“It’s unusual to see him back this early. We haven’t seen him running around like this since he’s been here. It’s great to have him back training. He’s been back for a few weeks. He’s running well, he’s back into the skills component and that’ll build before Christmas. It’s terrific to have him back at this time of the year. We just need to get a good base into him. He was saying he’s feeling really strong. He’s still doing a core weights program to make sure he’s nice and strong, and we need to get the balance right between making sure he’s fit and not tipping him over before Christmas. But it’s great to be getting a really strong foundation into his training. It’s only early but it’s a good sign for us.”

Recruits Sam Gray, Kaiden Brand, Lewis Taylor

“We think all three of them can contribute to our team and they’ve got a role in our team. They’re also in that demographic age-wise and games-wise to be able to come in and help our senior players and young team. There were a couple of reasons why we thought those players in particular would be able to come in and help us, and so far they’ve been terrific. They’ve been here a week or so and they’ve been able to really make an impression already.”

Tom Papley in light of requested trade to Carlton

“I can only go from what I’ve seen and he’s been terrific. He’s come back in good nick. He almost got his personal best in the two-kilometre time trial this morning, so that’s a really good sign. He’s a really enthusiastic, popular member of our footy team and he’s a professional. He’ll get out there and get into it. That’s what he’s done and that’s what he’ll continue to do.”