Lance Franklin has embraced the opportunity to lead the Sydney Swans young forward line into an exciting period.

Franklin booted 81 goals from 26 matches during the 2016 season but it was his influence on and off the field with the group of emerging forwards that he most enjoyed.

Gary Rohan (25 years old), Tom Papley (20), Isaac Heeney (20) and George Hewett (20) were among the regulars in the Swans forward line during the season that looked for assistance from the star forward.

29-year-old Franklin said it was satisfying to be able to assist with the development of those players.

“We have a really young forward line, even with Gary he has only played 60 games,” Franklin said.

“Most of these other boys have only played 15 to 20 games, I think Papley coming in his first year to play 20 games is a really good effort.”

“I have enjoyed that leadership role amongst our young forwards and I look forward to getting back for pre-season so that I can teach them a few things that we can learn along the way.”

“I see a lot of upside for those young guys coming through and I just can’t wait to get back out there with them.”

Despite a disappointing loss in the Grand Final against the Western Bulldogs the star forward is still confident in the direction the team is heading.

“The young talent here will drive a lot of the club right now that we weren’t able to win the premiership but it is about sticking together,” he said.

“We need to look to once again play consistent football next year and hopefully we can go one step better.

“There is a lot of hard work ahead of us and we look forward to that.”