LANCE Franklin says he has never put more effort into goalkicking practice, but knows the hard work means nothing if he can't kick straight in the big games.
Goalkicking has been a perennial issue for the 27-year-old, who will play his 200th match when the Sydney Swans take on St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.
Having kicked over 600 goals in his career to date, Franklin has also tallied 460 behinds and can struggle at times in front of the big sticks.
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He famously missed some big opportunities in Hawthorn's 2012 Grand Final defeat to the Swans, finishing with 3.4, while he has produced a total of just 5.12 in two games against the Hawks this year.
Overall he has 52.38 through 17 games this season, including 5.1 against Essendon in round nine and 6.2 against Carlton three weeks ago.
"I've definitely worked a lot harder this season on my goalkicking technique with Nick Davis and a few others," Franklin told reporters on Tuesday.
"I've definitely trained a lot harder on my goalkicking and my percentage has gone up a little bit this season.
"But in big games I've got to be able to kick the goals and against Hawthorn I wasn't able to do that, which I was a little bit disappointed in.
"That's one area I've got to keep working on."
Franklin's efforts in front of goal this season have him right in contention for a third Coleman Medal and first since 2011.
He is currently equal-third with Geelong's Tom Hawkins, only narrowly behind former teammate Jarryd Roughead (55 goals) and Port Adelaide's Jay Schulz (53).
Aiding Franklin's bid, Roughead is suspended for Sunday's clash with Fremantle, but the Swan says he isn't focusing on individual honours.
"To be honest with you I haven't given it much thought at all," he said.
"But I think big 'Roughie' has at the Hawks, he hasn't stopped talking about the Coleman.
"He wants back-to-back, but I think he'll miss this week so hopefully I can catch him.
"But I haven't given it much thought. The next three games are so important for us to cement that top-two spot and then get the home final."
Franklin will have plenty of family and friends in attendance for his 200th game.
He was also quizzed about his nine-year deal with the Swans and just how many games he could end up with.
"I think I'll catch Goodesy, won't I?" he joked, referencing the Swans' games record-holder Adam Goodes, who has played 345 matches.
"He'll probably still be playing. But I absolutely love playing football. I've loved it since I was little and I love it still.
"That motivation to get up every morning and be out there with your mates and put on a Sydney Swans jumper and play football is something that I absolutely love.
"Until I don't like doing that, that's when I'll give it up, but at this stage I love playing football and love being out there."
Franklin was also asked about his time in Sydney to date, saying he loves the city, although he did concede the criticism he initially faced was "a little bit disappointing at times".
He was also questioned about girlfriend Jesinta Campbell, who said on radio late last month that Buddy had been affected by the booing he copped from Hawthorn fans at the MCG in round 18.
"Don’t worry, I gave her a hard time," Franklin said.
