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.
bilbo
Guest
I see the huge swagger and paypacket of Buddy as an insurance policy. To win games you need goalkickers (Freo take note) and with Tippett, Reid and Franklin - and two being fit - they have that assured. Further, it keeps the Swans premiership window, surely a 'winning over of fans' strategy. A maturing Franklin, with a Miss Australia in tow, and the celebrity couple status ensued, will be a big win for Swans. Swans success will take some of the heat off the bludgeoned yet burgeoning growth of the Giants. We forget how the Swans struggled and crashed to three successive wooden spoons in the '90s before stabilising to become the solid citizens they are since. The Giants will find their niche (Mumford +4) to become the new '30 yr project'. But it has to be remembered that Swans in Sydney reached their first GF after 15yrs and then flag in their 24th year. Franklin: win for Swans. Mumford: win for Giants.
Adam
Guest
Nice article, I'm planning on the buddy clothing label to open a store in Bondi Jct. His label will also sponsor the AFL AUS Kicks creating a new generation of Trend-ites. Well done Buddy the businessman.
Kat
Guest
Griff, I get what you mean. Yes Sydney has had it's fair share of dickheads and I really do hope that the boys can help transform Buddy into a great team player both on and off the field. But as Davida said, it's going to take a lot to convince a large number of us. He really is going to need to prove himself. Like Johnno, I was shocked, stunned and confused when I found out via a text message from my sister-in-law while on my lunch break on Tuesday. She assumed that I would be overjoyed at gaining such a big name for my team but she couldn't have been more wrong. I felt ill. I almost cried and then I contacted everyone of my diehard friends to tell them the news all of whom responded very similarly to me. And Sean, while I love being swept up in the excitement of the game there are certain players that no matter how skillful or awe inspiring their (sometimes rare) talents can be, I just can't forget their off the field antics. I would much rather watch the steady persistence of a great man like Adam Goodes than the showy 'brilliance' of a someone like Buddy any day of the week.
Johnno
Guest
Griff that is a very good point. The no dick-head policy applies to the end product that they produce. Not what they take into the club. Shaw, Lockett and Hall are great examples of this. It's such a common thing these days to see stars in any sport develop hatred for the media and do anything they can to remove themselves from that spotlight. I think Buddy will thrive. He's surrounded by good people. In one interview he mentioned that Adam Goodes was an idol of his when he was younger before he was drafted. And now he gets to play along side him. Its quite funny how the very thing that the AFL wants Sydney as a city to have is the same thing that star players are leaving their respective cities to get away from. And as a swans fan myself. My only reaction was something of a stunned mullet. But once I got over that I couldn't give two hoots!! We somehow landed Buddy!!! HAHA
Sean Rogasch
Roar Rookie
I understand your apprehension, but I think I know what will help ease it. As a Hawks supporter who is reasonably aware of off-field behaviour, I can tell you, when you see the big Bud sprinting down the wing, or hurdling over players and kicking breathtaking goals from 55 metres, you'll forget about everyone else and stand to cheer. No player in my time of watching football generates as much excitement from the crowd as he does. Watch the looks on little kids faces when he kicks one of these goals, it's priceless. Yes football is more professional and it's (rightly) all about team structure and discipline, but I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't get swept up in individual acts of brilliance Buddy supplies. I'm sure going to miss them.
Griff
Guest
Great article, though I don't agree. The swans are footy's version of the Jesuits. Give me the boy and 7 years and ill give you the man. Many supposed dickheads have walked in the front door of the swans (Lockett, bazza, shaw) but they have all been shaped into solid team players. I promise you'll be singing the praises of this remarkable talent in 12 months.