THE moment he sees star recruit Lance Franklin at his first training session, Sydney Swans veteran Adam Goodes will know Buddy is serious about his time at the club.

Goodes said first impressions would say a lot about Franklin's attitude ahead of the 2014 season.

After playing in the premiership with Hawthorn, Franklin isn't expected at training until December, 9 and Goodes told the Daily Telegraph that if he wanted to quickly earn the respect of his new teammates he'd present himself in great shape.

"On day one the first thing I'm going to be looking at is how fit he is when he rocks up to training," Goodes said.

"That's a great sign on day one as to how much thought he's put into his off season and how much hard work he's done.

"It will also show how much he's trying to get around the boys because it's going to be a big task how he makes relationships with every player."

Goodes insisted he had no issue with reports of Franklin's behavior during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Just as Kurt Tippett did 12 months ago, Franklin will arrive on the first day of his pre-season having created significant controversy by switching clubs.

But to Tippett's credit, Goodes said, he let his hard work do the talking and his teammates responded.

"Kurt Tippett was able to do very well last year in that department.

"It is a big challenge for Buddy but he said before he came up here he was up to that challenge."