AFL Chief Gillon McLachlan says Sydney’s superstar forward Lance Franklin has the support of the entire football community and it’s important he takes time to get his mental health right.

Franklin has been ruled out for the remainder of the AFL season with a mental health issue and is playing no part in the Swans finals campaign.

McLachlan addressed Franklin’s plight at the AFL’s pre-match function before the Swans semi-final against North Melbourne at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

“Our game is blessed to have players like `Buddy,’ McLachlan said

“They are the players that the fans come to watch.

“It goes without saying we’d love to see him on the field tonight…terrorising whoever he was going to play on at the Kangaroos.

“But the stars of our game are also human and clearly the most important thing is that he takes the time and puts his mental health first.

“He does this with the support of the entire football community across the country.”

McLachlan commended the Swans for the way they have handled Franklin’s situation.

“It’s been been typical of the professionalism of this club and it’s been done incredibly well,” McLachlan said.