The Lance Franklin contract dilemma that is in the paper at least once a week has to come to an end; whether the decision is to stay or to go Hawthorn should be asking Buddy numerous questions about his future at the club.
The contract negations haven’t stopped Franklin from kicking goals, but he is giving certainly Hawthorn a hard time with deciding who they will target in the upcoming free agency period.
If Hawthorn let Buddy go:
If Buddy decides to leave the salary cap will be wide open for Hawthorn to go on a shopping spree, freeing them up to buy consistent players and young talent to bolster their already talented group.
The likes of Daisy Thomas putting on the brown and gold jumper could give their midfield and forward line even more strength and versatility.
One of the better alternatives could be trading Lance Franklin to GWS for the number one draft pick and maybe some other picks to go along with it.
Lance Franklin isn’t the only forward Hawthorn has, with Gunston, Bruest and Roughead (who is leading the Colman) all forward options. The Hawks also have midfielders they can rotate into the forward 50, so they shouldn’t have to worry too much about letting Buddy go.
If Hawthorn re-sign Buddy:
The likelihood of Lance Franklin staying or leaving seems about 50-50 at this stage and only he can decide if he wants to stay or go. If Buddy stays he will continue to provide the goal kicking that they desperately need.
Buddy and Roughead would have to be the best two elite forwards in the game at the moment combining, for 77 goals between them (Roughead 40, Buddy 37) so far this season. If Buddy decides to stay, the Hawks could be premiership favourites for the next two to three years with such a powerful forward line.
The offers:
GWS Giants have offered Lance Franklin a once in a lifetime opportunity of becoming the face of the club, but it would apparently come at an expense of a whopping nine million dollars for five years.
Fremantle could also be on the hunt for Franklin, and there was speculation at the start of the season the Buddy wanted to go home. If he moves there Fremantle could become a premiership favourite.
David Koch has also thrown it out that Port Adelaide could target Buddy.
Lance Franklin has a lot of options and could change whatever side he goes to instantly. But will he stay at Hawthorn to help create a dynasty and go down in AFL history as one of the greats to ever play the game?
Sulha
Guest
Ha ha I think he is leaving
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Feel free to email us Tom.
RPollock
Guest
The Franklin situation shows the benefits of free agency to superstar players. All he has to do is sit back and let the 3 or 4 clubs get there offers lined up then pick which suits him best. Why would he committ to anything now? An added bonus is GWS who seem to have an unlimited supply of AFL funds. Also if Hawthorn win the flag he could always sign a one year deal to stay on for another chance at a flag then after another year pf GWS getting belted by 10 goals a game they will in all likelihood go higher than $9 m. He certainly has the upper hand by playing the waiting game.
Aide Vresme
Guest
Melbourne Storm should try to grab him and put him on the wing.. Imagine if he became the first Victorian" code hopper. Great publicity for the NRL.
Judy Morris
Guest
There are other teams after Franklin.Brisbane are looking ahead for when Brown retires.Hopefully not too soon.They need to boost their forward line also.I think there's going to be more money around next year for some of the struggling clubs.Not sure if it should go to one player.All the other players must get a bit put out, as they feed these top players.Because all clubs want results its hard to wait till the young guys develop.It seems a few get allot and the rest get whats left.Rich clubs are able to buy these really good players,which doesn't make the competition even.My guess is he'll go home to Western Austalia.I think he would have signed with Hawthorn by now.
Allan
Guest
They're called GWS not West Sydney
Avatar
Roar Guru
If Buddy leaves Hawthorn then fans will no doubt be disappointed. The Hawks' premiership window is wide open at the moment and it hasn't been that wide for a few years. People should also remember that they almost won the flag last year but Sydney stole it in the fourth quarter of last year's Grand Final. The worst outcome would be that Buddy leaves the Hawks without a second flag; the best would be for him to remain at Hawthorn and chase a second flag. But if he were to leave at the end of the season, it would depend on if the Hawks win this year's flag. Such that, everyone thought Geelong's premiership window shut when Gary Ablett and Bomber Thompson left the club. The following year, they won the premiership whilst Ablett led around a large group of kids and Thompson was assisting James Hird at Essendon. Just imagine had Ablett remained at the Cats - he could have become a three-time premiership player!
Nash Mitchell
Roar Rookie
The Roar does for ya!
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
I'm not sure signing Franklin will do much for GWS to be honest. What they need more than anything is some quality in the mid-field (firstly) and in defense (secondly). With Patton and Cameron up front the goals will come - if the ball can actually get there with any degree of regularity. But the team desperately needs to plug the massive holes in defense.
Nash Mitchell
Roar Rookie
If Hawthorn attempt to match the offer (unlikely to happen) they can trade him to GWS for picks?
Chairman Kaga
Guest
West Sydney has a bunch of "superstars" in the making right now, come back and moan in year 5 if nothing has changed. They have only been in league footy 30 odd games. Patience people. It is only the journalists who are carrying on about the lack of success at Homebush, the AFL knew this was going to happen from day one. Just chill out, you won't change anything by complaining.
SportsFingers
Roar Pro
How do you get bold writing in the article and add photos?
johno
Guest
If Hawthorn match the offer then GWS would need to trade for him. But everyone knows that Hawthorn cannot match the offer.
Jermayn
Guest
I hope for GWS and AFL's point of view that he goes. GWS will die a long death if they dont get a super star like that... Also think a lot will depend if Hawks win the premiership this year or not.
Radelaide
Guest
Definitely trading him to GWS will allow hawks to replenish their ageing midfield immediately without bottoming out, massive plus for them.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
"One of the better alternatives could be trading Lance Franklin to GWS for the number one draft pick and maybe some other picks to go along with it." Explain to me again how a club trades a free agent.
Nash Mitchell
Roar Rookie
Yeah hahah just realised sorry guys :)
Australian Rules
Guest
And Kennedy's leading the Coleman, not Roughy :)
Nash Mitchell
Roar Rookie
Well sure the odds stack against him but he wants to win premierships! Also Clarkson has more options this year, as Breust and Roughead having all Australian like seasons.
Nash Mitchell
Roar Rookie
Spelt Bruest wrong sorry (Breust)