In the last couple of days there has been a slew of coverage regarding Buddy Franklin and the Swans.
However whatever the finer details of this coup may be, once in Sydney, Buddy’s largest issue will be winning over the Swans faithful.
Many Sydney fans are reeling over the decision to recruit a player of his reputation to the club regarded as having the strongest culture in the competition. Never have I heard more club supporters groan at the announcement of a star signing.
While the press is excited by the prospect of a personality such as Buddy’s in Sydney, the rest of us are getting real.
Do you actually think he is coming to Sydney for the love of the club? Or it is his Wallabies mates knocking on his door that have all too much to do with it. The question mark was not left off accidentally.
The fact is that as a playing group Sydney does not need Buddy. Regardless of his star power he has been inconsistent the last couple of seasons and with players such as Adam Goodes and Ryan O’Keefe also on the way out, what Sydney really needs is a future leader.
Anyone sitting in ANZ Stadium during Sydney’s scoreless semi final fourth quarter against Carlton understands that.
Buddy relies on selfish play, and this year has been his most quiet in terms of goals scored since 2007. He is not a leader, on or off the field.
Conversely as a GWS recruit and ambassador Buddy makes sense.
Although they have their own string of talented up and coming players, GWS lacks a marquee talent.
While players including Jeremy Cameron and Callan Ward perform consistently each week, GWS is stalling in its expansion bid in Sydney’s western suburbs. Average crowd attendance is down by 200 on last year, and with only one win in season 2013, GWS is in need of a crowd puller.
As a two-time premiership winning and highly marketable player Buddy fills the role of marquee perfectly. Buddy at GWS works.
While yes, Buddy is more Bondi than Homebush, Swans fans are not comfortable with an ego like his.
Sydney’s stars are recognised for their heart just as much as their talent, a prime example being Brett Kirk.
Frankly, Swans fans are all too aware of Buddy’s character and motivation. With pride in their club and its culture paramount, Lance has a lot to prove to Sydney supporters. No one treasures the “no dickheads” policy more than the Swans faithful.
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