THE SYDNEY Swans say it is business as usual ahead of their qualifying final against Fremantle on Saturday despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding Lance Franklin.
Players enjoyed a rostered day off on Wednesday, the day after it was revealed Franklin, the three-time Coleman medallist, had taken time away to deal with "ongoing mental health issues".
Swans officials refused to comment on Franklin's situation on Wednesday, preferring to keep the focus on the massive clash with the Dockers.
Match preview: Dockers v Swans
However, the mass interest in the story involving one of the AFL's biggest names continued - some media outlets ignoring the Swans' request for privacy by camping outside Franklin's residence in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
The Swans released a statement early on Tuesday saying the 28 year-old had been granted personal leave and his return to football was unknown.
Royal Melbourne Hospital epileptologist Dr Chris French said elite athletes could continue their career unhindered after discovering epilepsy.
He said in most cases sufferers can continue to drive, but would need to limit their alcohol intake.
"Obviously if you are having a seizure, or have recently had a seizure, you should not and cannot drive under Australian law," Dr French told AFL.com.au's Footy Feed.
"After a certain period of seizure freedom, and appropriate tests and opinions by specialists, most people with epilepsy will be able to drive without any restrictions.
"People with epilepsy are more susceptible to having seizures with excessive alcohol or drugs of abuse."
Beyond Blue chairman Jeff Kennett hit out at cynics, saying mental health issues don't discriminate.
"Rich, poor, male, female, young, old," Kennett said.
"The trouble is it can hit anyone at anytime.
"And, I'd simply say to those that are being cynical, be very careful, you might be next."
Franklin's family travelled to Sydney to be with the former Hawk, while it is believed his fiancé, model Jesinta Campbell, will remain overseas in her role as a TV presenter.
A media pack gathered at Sydney Airport on Wednesday morning awaiting the rumoured return of the former Miss Universe Australia.
Swans players will return to training on Thursday morning before boarding an afternoon flight to Perth to round off their preparations for the Freo clash.
In addition to Franklin, coach John Longmire's side will be missing co-captain Kieren Jack (knee), star midfielder Luke Parker (broken leg) and defender Nick Smith (hamstring).
Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh will return to the side after missing last week with calf soreness, with the experienced Ben McGlynn and Craig Bird at the top of list to come in for Franklin.
In possible good news for the Swans, Fremantle's Brownlow Medal fancy Nat Fyfe missed some of the Dockers' training, along with fellow All Australian nominee Garrick Ibbotson and star defender Luke McPharlin.
Fyfe has missed the past two matches with a leg problem and still needs to train on Thursday to be passed fit to to take the field at Domain Stadium.
