Unpredictability seems the preferred way forward for the Sydney Swans’ front half.

And it all starts with Lance Franklin, with the three-time Coleman Medallist mastering his balancing act as a spearhead and makeshift midfielder over recent weeks, a dangerous proposition for opposition defenders leading into finals.

Before Saturday night’s six-goal haul, Franklin had kicked only nine goals in the previous five matches, well below the 29-year-old’s four-goal average seen in the first 10 rounds of the season.

But against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, Franklin’s double-act reached an ideal equilibrium after 28 disposals accompanied his game-high six goals.

Possessions wise, only one before had Franklin reached those levels.

Even when Franklin wasn’t impacting the scoreboard as much, it failed to worry the coaches as he was still getting his hands on the football, putting his sublime skill and athleticism to good use further up the field.

It has also allowed Sydney’s young forward line to develop and flourish.

“He got involved up the ground and was so useful for us going into the forward line,” coach John Longmire said following the Round 21 win against the Saints.

“He’s such a beautiful kick and a few others were able to get on the end of a couple which was really handy.”

Franklin is the most experienced of the Sydney Swans’ forwards, having played 241 games to date over a 12-season career.

With that in mind, his importance to the forward structure remains crucially important so don’t expect anything more than the occasional foray up the ground.

“He’s obviously important because he’s such a good player,” Longmire added in the post-match press conference.

“We’ve got a pretty young forward line. Lance is the most experience, second is Gary Rohan.

“So he’s got a pretty important role from that as aspect as well.”

Kurt Tippett will bolster Sydney’s front half with more goal-kicking power and experience should the 164-gamer return, as reported, for Saturday’s clash with North Melbourne.

Longmire has pencilled Tippett, who hasn’t played since Round 12 after injuring his hamstring tendon, to play “mostly forward” as well as playing a supporting role in the ruck.