Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Swans star Franklin offered one-game ban

Lance Franklin will miss Sydney's clash with Melbourne after being slapped with a one-game AFL ban. (AAP)

Sydney superstar Lance Franklin will miss the clash with AFL flag favourites Melbourne after he was handed a one-match ban for striking.

Franklin struck Richmond veteran Trent Cotchin during a fiery second-quarter exchange at the SCG on Friday night.

The incident was assessed as intentional, low impact and high contact by the match review officer.

Franklin can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea.

Cotchin checked Franklin's run inside the 50m arc and the pair exchanged shoves, before the Swans' spearhead threw a right hand at his opponent.

Cotchin's head went back after contact and he pointed to his jaw as he claimed a free kick.

He was not seriously affected, playing out the rest of the match.

Asked about the incident during a post-match interview, Franklin had no recollection of the contact.

"Mate, I can't even remember. I can't remember it," he told the Seven Network.

But there was no way it was going to slip past the match review officer.

Franklin kicked five goals in a match-winning display against Richmond, shaking off Josh Gibcus' tight checking to inspire the Swans' comeback.

Tigers ruckman Toby Nankervis was fined $3000 for engaging in rough conduct on Sydney's Luke Parker in the same match.

Franklin's absence will make Sydney's task of upsetting reigning premiers Melbourne in round 12 even tougher.

The Swans and Demons meet at the MCG on Saturday night.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.