Hawthorn star brushes off concerns about elbow injury.
Hawthorn key forward Lance Franklin said there is o chance he will not be starting for the Hawks in their 2013 AFL grand final despite an injury scare to his right elbow.
Franklin looked good during the team’s recovery session after their thrilling preliminary final win over Geelong at the MCG.
Hawks fans and coach Alistair Clarkson had their hearts in their mouths when Franklin left the field in the first quarter cradling his right arm after colliding with teammate Hale.
However, ‘Buddy’ said he was feeling awesome about being in the second decider in as many years and said his elbow as not bothering him at all.
“It’s always good after an exciting win. I don’t think anyone feels any injuries after winning a prelim (final) and getting ourselves into a grand final,” he said.
“It was just an unbelievable experience last night that I’ll never forget.
“It was a little bit sore. The big Hale storm hit me a little bit hard. But I got checked by the doctors and was all right to play out the game and I’m just looking forward to the grand final,” he said.
“No (damage), I’m good to go. I just want to get out there.”
However, the news was not all good for the Hawks with utility Brendan Whitecross the miss the biggest game of the year for the second time in as many year.
Scans confirmed Whitecross tore his ACL in his right knee for the second time in his career, with Franklin admitting he will be tough to place in the grand final and for much of the 2014 season.
“He’s a big part of the footy club. To see such a great player and great person go down with a serious knee injury is devastating,” he said.
“He’s here today which shows the character of the guy, to be here after hurting his knee demonstrates what a quality person he is to have around the footy club. All the boys are getting around him.”
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