Lance Franklin announced his return to football with a performance that explains why the superstar Swan is rated among the best players in the competition.

A fit and lean Franklin made his presence felt right from the start in the Swans' crash and bash intra-club hit-out at a sun-drenched Henson Park in Sydney's inner-west, looking keen and engaged and displaying his full repertoire of skills.

The 29-year-old became unavailable due to mental illness with his side on the cusp of the finals, but looks to be primed for a new season. He ran hard, provided efficient disposal and delivered plenty of defensive pressure.

To top it off, the roving centre-half-forward took a strong intercept mark and kicked a goal from 40 metres to finish a comprehensive first term that blew out the cobwebs.