Buddy just one of the 22, says Longmire
John Longmire says Lance Franklin is just another one of the team preparing for Saturday's Grand Final
Twelve months after helping the Hawks to premiership success over Fremantle, Franklin will be a major element of the Swans line-up that will try to overcome his former team at the MCG.
Franklin will front the media at the SCG on Tuesday ahead of an open training session, and his name will likely be on everyone's lips right up until the first bounce on Saturday.
Buddy is already generating huge media interest in the Harbour City, despite the fact four Sydney teams are involved in this week's NRL preliminary finals.
But as far as Longmire is concerned, it's business as usual.
"It's a massive amount of attention from outside the footy club," he said.
"From inside the footy club, he's one of the 22.
"We understand he's playing his old team and we understand the focus on him from outside the footy club.
"But inside the footy club, when he comes to work, we talk about our team defence, about every player playing their role and playing to the best of their ability.
"Outside the footy club will take care of itself, but when he comes to training and comes to all the meetings, he's just one of the playing group and it's important we maintain that focus."
Franklin and teammate Josh Kennedy are both tipped to poll well in Monday night's Brownlow Medal count and Longmire said his key forward had settled in superbly at his new home.
"He's obviously able to kick the goals and do the things that draw the attention of people, but he also brings his teammates into the game really well," he said.
"He's a very smart player, he's a beautiful kick and he puts pressure on.
"He plays two-way football, so he's been able to fit in really well, and the other players know that when he gets the ball he's more often than not able to find a teammate."
Sam Reid is the only player under an injury cloud for the Swans, but he has pulled up well from the jarred knee he suffered against the Kangaroos and Longmire expects him to train this week and be available.
Sixteen of the 22 Swans who competed on Friday night were involved in the 2012 Grand Final, so Longmire expects them to have few issues preparing for everything that comes with Grand Final week.
"We're excited to be part of Grand Final week," he said.
"It's terrific to be able to enjoy this week and work towards what's going to be a huge day on Saturday.
"To go through the processes we've got in place and know we've done it before, as have Hawthorn obviously, and to get the right mix between enjoying the week, but also know when to concentrate on our work.
"That's the balance I expect our players to get right."