SYDNEY Swans star Lance Franklin has not been made available for the Indigenous All Stars clash against West Coast in Perth as he manages a troublesome right knee.
A squad of 26 players (from a group of 59) will be selected for the exhibition match on February 20 at Medibank Stadium, with exciting WA duo Stephen Hill and Brad Hill, along with Cyril Rioli in contention to headline the squad.
Gold Coast midfielder Jack Martin and Sydney Swans champion Adam Goodes could be other drawcards for the All Stars' first match against AFL opposition since they beat Richmond in 2013.
Though he has been able to train all pre-season, Franklin has been managed for soreness in his right knee, which sidelined him twice late last year.
He won't travel to Perth for the AFL Players' Association indigenous camp, but the Swans are confident he will be available for the club's first NAB Challenge match against the Brisbane Lions on March 6.
"I'm disappointed I won't be part of it for the first time in my career, but it is a great event and I hope all the players involved make the most of it," Franklin told the club's website.
"My pre-season is tracking well, but I am still on a modified training program which makes it difficult to spend a week away from the club."
Port Adelaide star Chad Wingard will attend the indigenous camp, but he is not expected to play as he recovers from minor knee surgery.
Power recruit Paddy Ryder and Essendon defender Courtenay Dempsey would also be expected to sit out if the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal has not made a ruling on the 34 past and present Bombers handed infraction notices.
St Kilda and North Melbourne are the only clubs with no players, with Daniel Wells and Lindsay Thomas notable absentees.
Other indigenous stars not in the main group include Adelaide's Eddie Betts, Brisbane Lions' Allen Christensen, Geelong's Steven Motlop, Gold Coast's Harley Bennell and Melbourne's Jeff Garlett.
Match-worn jumpers will be signed and available for purchase online at ShopAFL, with funds raised going to the Indigenous Leadership and Education Scholarships program, to support two young indigenous participants.
