An early season overload on Lance Franklin is starting to have an effect with the veteran superstar likely to miss Sydney’s clash with West Coast.
But there was positive news for defender Tom McCartin who is coming out the concussion cloud which has sidelined him since Round 8.
McCartin won’t return until the club is convinced he’s not only fully recovered by mentally prepared to play and coach John Longmire said while the signs were positive for a potential return as soon as this week, they won’t jump the gun if there;s any risk involved.
“He’s a key player on our team. We’ve just got to make sure we make the decision for him that’s getting him back into the best form for what he can be as soon as he can,” Longmire said on Wednesday.
“We want him to be able to play not only this week but also the back end of the year. So we’ve got to make the decision what we see fit to be able to do that and what’s in Tommy’s best interests.
“He’s been pulling up well which is fantastic to see. We’ll see how he goes again tomorrow and make the call from there.”
Franklin was going to be nursed through what looms as the 36-year-old’s final season but injuries demanded he plays nine of the club’s opening 12 games.
A long-term injury to Sam Reid as well as issues with Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald forced Longmire’s hand on Franklin who is likely to miss a second-straight game.
“We wouldn‘t have played him in the first half of the year as much as we did if we had other options,” Longmire told reporters on Wednesday.
“If Lance is ready to play, we’ll play him. He missed last week and if his knee feels 100 per cent he’d be playing.
“We had some injuries to other key forwards in Joel (Amartey) and Reidy (Sam Reid) – and towards the end of that period Logan (McDonald) as well – and it‘s probably cost him a little bit in the back end of the year.
“If we had other options we would have taken those. ”
While Franklin could miss the clash, Isaac Heeney looks set to return from concussion while Callum Mills (calf) and McDonald (ankle) are also looking to get back to playing.
“We’re making sure we look into their individual programs to see what they have done over the period and working out how we fit them in the team as far as managing them on a game day,” Longmire said.
“It’s about getting that balance right.”