The Hawks spearhead heads a list of inclusions for Hawthorn’s clash with Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday, six weeks since injuring his hamstring against Greater Western Sydney.
The Hawks lost just one match without their leading goal kicker, despite facing top eight sides Collingwood and Essendon without him.
The only loss came at the hands of Geelong in Round 19.
Despite the 4-1 record without Franklin, Cameron says it’s great to have him back.
“He’s been out for an extended period of time, but he’s been really good with his rehab and we look forward to him coming back into our forward line,” Cameron said.
“Regaining a player of the ilk of Franklin is fantastic for our group.”
Cameron admits that while having Franklin the footballer back into the line-up is good news for the Club, the leadership he offers on-field is underrated.
It’s an aspect of Franklin’s make-up that has been quietly building behind the scenes.
“He’s growing into that leadership role, which is great,” he said.
“He’s into his seventh or eighth year [at the level] and some things come natural to some players and some things don’t.
“He is very quiet off the field, he just likes to go about his business.
“He’s really grown into his leadership role here and the input and energy he exudes to the group is leadership in itself.”
Part of the leadership Franklin offers the playing group is his genuine love for his teammates.
It’s something that Cameron and the coaching staff rate highly.
“If you have genuine care, and genuine empathy for each other then you’re going to go the extra yard,” Cameron said.
“He loves his teammates doing really well, that’s the big thing.
“He loves to play well, but he loves it when his teammates, regardless of whether they’re in the forward line, midfield or the backline.
“He knows that if they’re doing it, then we’re a massive chance to win.”
Franklin has booted 51 goals in his 14 matches for the Hawks this season, including a career-high 13 against the Kangaroos in Round 10.
Cameron says though that his ability to apply pressure and intensity around the ball is an invaluable characteristic, rating it as highly as small forward, Paul Puopolo’s work rate.
“People underestimate his pressure on the opposition in terms of tackling, chase downs and just the inferred pressure that he puts on with his big arms,” Cameron said.
“When the ball hits the ground and the opposition gathers it, Franklin is onto it as quick as Puopolo.
“For a six foot five, six foot six key forward, to provide that sort of pressure is just outstanding.”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
RELATED
Read this week's match preview, Looking ahead to Gold Coast Oh boy, he's back! Read the Round 21 Dream Team preview featuring Lance Franklin View this week's Hawks team to take on the Suns Knowing your role the key: Birchall Lewis flags Buddy return
