Franklin quiet for Swans in pre-season cup
Lance Franklin has made a quiet return to action, but Swans' youngster Callum Mills has justified the early noise about his potential in a NAB Challenge victory over Port Adelaide at Blacktown in Sydney's west.
Sydney scored 17 unanswered points in a final quarter played on Saturday in driving rain to record a 1.10.12 (81) to 1.7.9 (60) win.
Star key forward Franklin hadn't played a game against another club since round 23 last year after it was revealed he was suffering a mental health issue.
The big forward amassed six touches, one goal and one mark through the first three quarters before getting a break in the last.
Mills, the No.3 selection in last year's draft, looked a ready-made player, tallying 22 possessions and five marks and impressed with the accuracy and efficiency of his disposal.
Ball magnets Luke Parker and Tom Mitchell each accumulated 32 touches for Sydney, while Sam Grey led Port with 21.
One possible worry for Sydney was a possible injury for Isaac Heeney, who didn't reappear after halftime.
Dean Towers, who finished last year well for Sydney, kicked three goals including a super goal and looked sharp.
Port's sole super goal came from Jared Polec, who was playing his first game since round five last year.
They led at the first two breaks, but their scoring dried up as the heavens opened and unleashed torrential rain on the teams in the final quarter.
The visitors fielded a very-inexperienced side with Travis Boak, Brad Ebert, Matt Lobbe, Hamish Hartlett, Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff and Chad Wingard among those not playing.
