Jarryd Roughead throws support behind former teammate Lance Franklin

Hawthorn star Jarryd Roughead has thrown his support behind close friend Lance Franklin following news of his mental issues.

The Swans revealed on Tuesday their superstar forward was battling ‘ongoing’ issues and would not play in Saturday’s qualifying final against Fremantle. He also suffers from mild epilepsy.

Roughead, who was drafted to the Hawks alongside Franklin in 2004, told 3AW he’d since ‘sent a message’ to Franklin.

He said the news had taken him by surprise.

‘I can’t personally say I noticed anything, but I just hope the big fella is OK,’ Roughead said on Sports Today.

‘I’d love for him to be playing finals this week and he’s one of the main reasons people go and watch footy.

‘Hopefully he gets better soon.’

Roughead also addressed Hawthorn’s crunch final against the West Coast Eagles and how he reacted to news Luke Hodge had been caught drink-driving last week.

LISTEN: Jarryd Roughead joins Gerard Healy and Tim Lane on 3AW