LANCE Franklin says he can’t wait to run out onto Etihad Stadium on Friday night after missing two weeks with knee swelling.

The Hawks star is one of two inclusions for the top-of-the-table clash against the Bombers, alongside star midfielder Sam Mitchell.

Franklin has trained strongly this week and was cleared to play on Thursday before being selected by Coach Alastair Clarkson for Friday night’s clash.

After missing two weeks, the Hawks spearhead admits it was tough to sit on the sidelines while his teammates produced one of their wins of the season against the Power in Round 16 and another solid win against the Bulldogs last weekend.

“If you miss a bit of footy, everyone gets a bit itchy and just want to get back out there and play,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“I’m jumping out of my skin, I can’t wait to get out there on Friday night and have a good crack.

“Hopefully I can kick a few goals and we have a good win.”

Franklin has played in every game this season, aside from the two he missed through injury and says there was a positive amidst the negative of not being able to play footy.

With the 2013 finals series just around the corner, and the Hawks sitting a game clear on top of the AFL ladder, Franklin hopes his two-week break will allow him to attack the final six home and away matches as the Hawks charge towards September.

A fit and firing Lance Franklin teamed with club leading goal kicker Jarryd Roughead and versatile forward Jack Gunston will be a formidable trio come the business end of the season.

“It was disappointing, I always like to be out there and playing football with the team but to miss two games at this time of the year is not such a bad thing,” he said.

“It has given me the chance to freshen up for a big last bit of the year.

“I’m back this week which is good and fingers crossed I can have a good run into finals and go from there.”

The Hawks take on the Bombers in one of the biggest home and away matches this season, and the Hawks star can’t wait.

“Essendon are a quality team so I can’t wait to get out there and what bigger stage than a Friday night? It should be a ripping game,” he said.

Round 18 team

FB: Stratton Lake Guerra

HB: Mitchell Gibson Whitecross

C: Smith Hodge Hill

HF: Gunston Roughead Breust

FF: Franklin Hale Rioli

Rucks: Bailey, Lewis, Puopolo

IC: Sewell, Simpkin, Duryea, Savage



EM: Cheney, Ceglar, Langford

IN: Franklin, Mitchell

OUT: Cheney, Langford