IF LANCE Franklin is primed to play Sydney's hero on the finals stage, then Melbourne defender Steven May shapes as the perfect antagonist to ruin the Swan's night.

Franklin, 35, has belied question marks over his Swans future to boot 50 goals and spearhead Sydney's run to third on the ladder.

Neither Franklin nor May played when the Swans beat the Demons by 12 points back in round 12, but the star duo have typically faced off.

Melbourne defensive coach Troy Chaplin, who stepped in for sick head coach Simon Goodwin at Thursday's press conference, expected May to resume his blockbuster match-up in Friday night's qualifying final at the MCG.

“It’s clear to the competition that Buddy’s been a superstar for such a long time and to kick another 50 goals is just phenomenal," Chaplin told reporters.

"We keep writing these players off just through looking at their age, but he hasn’t played every game either, so he probably could’ve kicked 60 or 70 (this season).

“Those two generally line up against each other and there’s no doubt we’ve got to be really mindful of what Lance can do.

"He’s a pretty important player to that team, he’s got the capabilities of kicking a bag and he certainly likes the big games.”

Franklin's form comes amid his decision to put contract talks on hold until season's end, while there has been speculation the former Hawk could end his career at a third club.

He has plenty of admirers at Melbourne, with Goodwin praising the brilliant forward as his "favourite player" when he was linked to Brisbane in July.

Chaplin hoped to continue planning ways to shut out Franklin for years to come.

“I hope it’s not the last time that we see him. I think he’s still got a lot to give to the game," Chaplin said.

"If you’ve got a player that’s kicking 50 goals, he can continue on.

"It’s a credit to what Buddy’s been able to do, and to the Sydney football club as well, to be able to manage him and make sure they get the best out of him.

"We know that tomorrow night he’s going to be a real threat and that Maysy’s going to have his hands full.”