Buddy is doing well, says fiancee Campbell

Lance Franklin’s fiancee Jesinta Campbell says the sidelined Sydney AFL superstar is doing well as he deals with mental health issues.

Swans coach John Longmire announced on Monday that Franklin, who missed their qualifying final loss to Fremantle last weekend, won’t play again this season so he can focus on his rehabilitation from the mental health problems.

Speaking in Sydney on Thursday, Campbell said her fiance was “great thank you”.

“He’s got the best support around him and we’re so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us and he’s getting the best help possible and he’ll be back before we know it,” she said.

Swans chairman Andrew Pridham on Wednesday felt compelled to address rumours regarding Franklin’s absence from the finals, labelling them as “laughable”.

“It’s a reflection of the society we’re in,” he said.

“It’s unfair… That’s the cross these high-profile people have to bear.

“People say stuff, make stuff up, I don’t know where the stuff comes from. I’ve heard countless rumours (about Franklin).”

Sydney defender Rhyce Shaw said on Thursday dealing with rumours wasn’t anything new.

“It’s par for the course really,” Shaw said on Thursday morning.

“Stuff like that happens all the time, the innuendo that comes with stories has been happening for years.

“You can’t really do much about it. We know the real story and we’ve said what’s happening with Lance and we can’t say much more.

“We’ve been totally open and honest with his situation and it’s a real shame, but we can’t control that.”

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