Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin has impressed in his second training session back at the club, stepping up his workload in a tough hit-out on Wednesday at Lakeside Oval next to the SCG.
24 hours after hitting the track for the first time since taking a break from the game in September to battle a mental health issue, Franklin moved well when the footballs were out, and led his small group in some running drills.
Most of the Swans completed a 3km time trial – won by academy product and second-year midfielder Jack Hiscox – but Franklin, fellow star forward Kurt Tippett, co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, and reigning club champion Josh Kennedy were among those looking on.
There were no great surprises when Hiscox led the Swans home after holding off an impressive challenge from defender Dane Rampe, given the 20 year-old is a former national 800m champion.
Midfielder Dan Robinson, utility Dean Towers and the speedy Harry Cunningham finished not far behind the pair to round out the top five - a good sign for the club with the trio expected to play plenty of senior footy in 2016.
The newly married Kennedy completed his own running program away from the main group and looked in extremely good shape.
Last season's rookie of the year Isaac Heeney ran laps as he continues to monitor his knee tendinitis, and he was joined by Nick Smith who is being eased into training after being a part of the International Rules squad.
Luke Parker (ankle) and Sam Reid (hamstring) – who missed all or part of the Swans' disappointing finals campaign last season - were also on light duties, with co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, Tom Mitchell and Ben McGlynn working out in the SCG gym.
