Buddy Franklin is back and he is certain leading forwards are back as well.

The Sydney Swans great made his return after 18 months on the sidelines kicking three goals as his young side scored a 33-point win over the Adelaide Crows at the SCG today.

Franklin called his return ‘amazing’ and so was the form of his side which has transformed during his time of the sidelines and now looks poised to start moving back up the ladder.

“The last couple of years have given other kids opportunities - we have gone to the draft and picked up some good young kids,” Franklin told Fox Footy post game.

“I loved every minute of being out here [with them] today.”

Adelaide star Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker kicked a game-high six goals while Franklin and young protege Logan McDonald combined for five goals which had Franklin claiming the key forward was back in the AFL.

“The man on the mark rule has made a difference,” Franklin said.

“It opens things up, Tex kicked four or five, the leading forward is back, that’s for sure.”

Franklin added he had plenty more to add now he has cleared out the ‘cobwebs’.

“There were a few cobwebs - it was just amazing to be out here.”