Sydney star not the only big name struggling to be fit in time for the blockbuster clash.
Lance Franklin is in severe doubt of taking on his former side the Hawthorn Hawks due to a nagging injury concern that saw him miss his side’s win over Brisbane.
The clash against the Hawks was always going to a hot topic in the AFL this season, after Franklin made his high-profile and lucrative move from Victoria to Sydney in the off-season.
However, Sydney coach John Longmire said Franklin is facing an uphill battle to tackle Hawthorn.
“(We’re) not sure yet. He wasn’t able to do anything at all on Thursday. We will see how he goes next week.”
Kurt Tippett (ribs/knee) trained well on Saturday as the Swans beat Brisbane at the Gabba and is much more likely to take on the premiers.
Both Sam Reid (Achilles) and Adam Goodes, in his second game back from knee issues, pulled up well and will play.
Hawthorn also has its injury concerns heading into the game, despite getting a host of stars back for their big win over St Kilda, with Brian Lake in doubt with a calf strain.
Lake is sidelined with an injury that plagued him all pre-season, as sports medicos predict he faces an extended period on the sidelines.
Lake, 32, needed to play 15 games to trigger a clause in his contract for a third season after his wildly successful move from the Western Bulldogs.
The Hawks continue to be linked to Melbourne’s James Frawley and while they would likely offer Lake another one-year deal it might be on a smaller contract.
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