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Sydney superstar Lance Franklin has been ruled out of the Swans' AFL clash with Melbourne after being handed a one-game ban for striking Trent Cotchin.
Sydney superstar Lance Franklin will miss the clash with AFL flag favourites Melbourne after he was handed a one-match ban for striking.
Franklin struck Richmond veteran Trent Cotchin during a fiery second-quarter exchange at the SCG on Friday night.
The incident was assessed as intentional, low impact and high contact by the match review officer.
Franklin can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea.
Cotchin checked Franklin's run inside the 50m arc and the pair exchanged shoves, before the Swans' spearhead threw a right hand at his opponent.
Cotchin's head went back after contact and he pointed to his jaw as he claimed a free kick.
He was not seriously affected, playing out the rest of the match.
Asked about the incident during a post-match interview, Franklin had no recollection of the contact.
"Mate, I can't even remember. I can't remember it," he told the Seven Network.
But there was no way it was going to slip past the match review officer.
Franklin kicked five goals in a match-winning display against Richmond, shaking off Josh Gibcus' tight checking to inspire the Swans' comeback.
Tigers ruckman Toby Nankervis was fined $3000 for engaging in rough conduct on Sydney's Luke Parker in the same match.
Franklin's absence will make Sydney's task of upsetting reigning premiers Melbourne in round 12 even tougher.
The Swans and Demons meet at the MCG on Saturday night.