The more cynical among would say he’s just had another strike…
THE Sydney Swans have been dealt a massive finals blow, with star forward Lance Franklin to miss Saturday’s clash with Fremantle due to illness.
The Swans said Franklin is currently being treated for an ongoing mental health condition.
General Manager of Football Tom Harley said the club’s top priority was for Franklin’s wellbeing.
“Our first priority is looking after Lance’s health,” Harley said.
“Lance has been open with the club about his condition and while we consider it a private medical matter, he is aware he has our full support.
“The time frame on his return is unclear at this stage. He will certainly miss this week’s match and we will continue to monitor his condition.”
Swans coach John Longmire said Franklin had been dealing with the issue for a while but it was “very private”. He said the former Hawk was getting the best possible care.
“It is an issue in sport, it is an issue in the AFL and it is an issue in the community,” he said.
“He wants people to know about it and understand what he is going through. It is serious but treatable.
“This is very common across society and across professional sport. Whilst it’s a very personal issue, there’s plenty of people who deal with it and are able to be very successful.
“Most importantly, he is getting the right assistance. We consider those mental health issues very seriously. It does not discriminate as far as an 18-year-old who comes from interstate or one of the best players int he game. A lot of people deal wth it and are able to be very successful. “
Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh said the news came as a shock to the players.
“Obviously, it is a shock to a lot of the boys. Bud is in a place where he can get the best support at the moment,” he said.
“We talk about it as a group and we support it. That’s all we can do. It’s a private matter and one you don’t know too much about.”