LANCE Franklin's hamstring issue could keep him sidelined for a fifth straight match with Sydney unwilling to push its superstar forward despite the fact that Friday night's clash with Collingwood will launch this year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The annual Marngrook game at the SCG would be the perfect setting for Franklin – one of the game's greatest indigenous players – to return to the Swans team, but the veteran is yet to fully extend himself at training after pulling up sore in the lead-up to round six.

KEEP CALLING IT OUT AFL won't shy away from highlighting racism

At the time, the Swans expected Franklin to only miss one or two games but he remains a frustrated onlooker.

Coach John Longmire said the 32-year-old ran well and did some kicking on Monday, but still has more work to do before he's cleared to play his 296th game and won't be rushed back just for the Marngrook match.

"It does (mean a lot to him), he loves to get out there and compete anyway, let alone when it's a big occasion like this week," he said.

"He'd love to play, there's no question about that, but we've got to make sure he goes through the right steps and gets to the point where he's really confident in his body."

BARRETT Big guns make flag chase a race in five

The Swans could regain co-captain Josh Kennedy (quad) after he was a late withdrawal against North Melbourne last week, but they'll be without speedster Zak Jones for the next two to three weeks.

Jones injured his hamstring against the Kangaroos.

More to come