The man coach John Longmire calls “the teacher in the crèche in the forward 50” is already keenly awaiting a return to football ahead of season 2019.
Star forward Lance Franklin relished the chance to lead Sydney’s fresh-faced forward line in 2018 and cannot wait to again combine forces with Ben Ronke, Tom McCartin and a host of other young guns.
“Running around with the young kids was really enjoyable this year,” Franklin told SwansTV at the 2018 Club Champion Dinner.
“They’re all great kids, they all love learning, they take on the teaching and it’s been really good.
“I haven’t been able to get out there and train and be able to teach them everything I’d like to on the track. But during pre-season I’ll be out there guiding them and teaching them. I’m looking forward to next year.”
While Franklin has piled up 290 career games and booted 917 goals, young forwards Ronke, McCartin, Tom Papley and Will Hayward have played just 133 games and kicked 165 goals between them.
The youngsters had the best seats in the house as Franklin became just the second player in VFL/AFL history to slot 300 goals for two clubs, placing himself in the rarefied air of Swans great Tony Lockett as Sydney beat Fremantle at the SCG in Round 9.
The Western Australian conquered another goal-kicking milestone as the Swans edged the Roos at Etihad Stadium in Round 17, becoming just the ninth player in history to kick 900 career majors.
The records continued to tumble a month later as Franklin surpassed Hawthorn legend Leigh Matthews on the all-time goal-kicking leaderboard, leading the Swans to victory over the Giants at Spotless Stadium in Round 22.
Franklin notched his 100th Swans game in Sydney’s clash with Richmond at Etihad Stadium in Round 15, becoming just the 44th footballer and fifth Swan to play 100 matches for two clubs.
The four-time Coleman Medallist also earned his eighth All-Australian honour and first All-Australian captaincy, before icing his season with a second Players’ Player award at the Club Champion Dinner.
Franklin was humbled to have been recognised in such a way.
“It’s unbelievable – it really is,” Franklin said.
“You don’t play football for accolades – you play to win. But to get this award really does mean so much to me. I really appreciate the boys putting in those votes.”
