Buddy ready to go in AFL pre-season: Swans

Feb 27, 2017 - 3:29 AM Sydney are confident Lance Franklin has recovered from shoulder surgery despite a limited AFL pre-season.

The star forward will play his first pre-season game against Greater Western Sydney on Friday having missed their last outing against North Melbourne.

Franklin has been hampered since undergoing an operation in October to repair a torn shoulder joint.

Swans assistant coach Henry Playfair said the 30-year-old had spent much of the pre-season wrapped in cotton wool, but had done enough to run out in Blacktown.

"He's been back in contact for a couple of weeks and (is) ready to go," Swans assistant coach Henry Playfair told reporters on Monday.

"It's (Franklin's pre-season) been a little bit hampered, but only in the contact sense.

"He's done the majority of sessions. He's just had to be careful, and guys careful around him, not to injure his shoulder.

"He's ticked every box along the journey, so it's been pretty seamless up to this point."

The Swans' list is strengthening ahead of their round-one clash with Port Adelaide on March 25, with Playfair confirming Kieren Jack, Dane Rampe and Sam Naismith were also set for their first pre-season hit-outs on Friday.

But young key defender Aliir Aliir was unlikely as he recovers from a toe injury.

"Aliir will be touch and go," Playfair said.

"Certainly, the coaches are pushing for him, but we'll work that out with the medical staff later in the week.

"I'd say he's unlikely."

Source: AAP