SUPERSTAR Sydney Swans forward Lance Franklin will be fit to start pre-season training on schedule despite having shoulder surgery on Wednesday.

It's been revealed that Franklin carried a shoulder injury through the last few weeks of the season, including the Grand Final loss to the Western Bulldogs.

After his regulation post-season check-up, it was decided by the Swans' medical staff that the three-time Coleman medallist needed an operation, and general manager of football Tom Harley said the 29-year-old will wear a sling for the next four month.

"Lance (Franklin) had arthroscopic surgery to stabilise his shoulder after playing out the season with a torn anterior labrum," Harley said.

"Lance showed great resilience to play out the season under duress.

"We expect he will make a full recovery and return to training in December."

Franklin returned to the game in brilliant fashion after missing last year's finals series to seek treatment for mental health issues, booting 81 goals without missing any of the Swans' 26 matches in 2016.

The superstar forward led the club for score involvements this season, and last week was presented with the Paul Kelly Players' Player Award at the best and fairest.

Franklin sits 12th on the all-time goalkickers list in VFL/AFL history, and needs just 13 majors next year to reach the 800-mark.