Adelaide Crows players will give Swans star Buddy Franklin the silent treatment in their must-win AFL Final this weekend.
Franklin was involved in controversy during Sydney’s Qualifying Final against the Greater Western Sydney Giants last Saturday, when Giants ruckman Shane Mumford allegedly made light of Franklin’s mental health issues during the match.
Mumford allegedly told Franklin, "it’s good to see you’re not on holidays this year", referencing Franklin’s sabbatical from the game in the midst of Sydney’s premiership charge last season, infuriating mental health campaigners.
The former Swan has come out and publicly apologised to Franklin for the comments in recent days.
Shane Mumford could face internal punishment from GWS after he reportedly sledged Lance Franklin. (AAP) Source: AAP
Adelaide midfielder Richard Douglas told AFL Media that Crows players will not be taking a similar approach, in fear of handing Franklin added motivation.
‘If you poke the bear, he’s probably going to come out and play better, so maybe we’ll leave that alone.
“I don’t think sledging will come into it too much and I’m not sure how effective it is these days.
“It is not something we do; we don’t go out and target a player.
The Crows will be buoyed by their impressive record at the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of their do-or-die clash with Sydney, with Adelaide having won four of their last five visits.
Adelaide are wary of a fired up Lance Franklin . (AAP) Source: AAP
But Saturday’s clash with the minor premiership winning team is a different story, with the wounded Swans looking to rebound.
Sydney was out muscled by the Giants in the first week of the finals, something Douglas says the Crows will look to replicate.
“They’re big-bodies and will be looking to respond after last week,” said Douglas.
Adelaide could be the only team to take an unchanged team into the weekend's semi-finals. (AAP) Source: AAP
“It’s about matching them in the contest and try and get them on the outside with our speed and spread. That’s what the Giants did against them last week.”
