Buddy aims for opener

HAWTHORN star Lance Franklin says he is looking to be right for round one despite undergoing a modified pre-season training program.

Franklin had surgery on his thumb and his shoulder following Hawthorn’s premiership season and admits frustration at having to hold himself back at training.

“I’m doing skills at the moment but not touch. But I should be all right for round one,” he said.

“The last four pre-seasons I’ve actually done nearly everything. This is the first pre-season where I’ve done less than 50 per cent. It’s a little bit disappointing but I’ve got to keep working on pre-season and pushing myself.”

The reigning Coleman medallist did not rule out appearing in the NAB Cup but said his main aim was to be ready for the home and away season.

“See what happens. If it feels all right I’ll get out there and play but if it’s not right I’ll just leave it and wait for round one,” he said.

‘Buddy’ said the Hawks would relish being the benchmark of the competition as they look to defend their flag.

He said the team was comfortable with being the side everyone wants to beat.

“Obviously we are going to be hunted this year and as a team we would like that.

“We’re just going to keep playing the football we played last year and hopefully that takes us back to where we were last year.”

Franklin said the Hawks were conscious of avoiding a premiership hangover.

“Last year was a big year for us but we’re putting that behind us,” he said.

“It’s a new year, we’ve had a strong pre-season and we’re in that phase of working hard as a team and putting in another good hard pre-season and hopefully we can put together some good games and see how far we go again.”