When he retires, Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin should be remembered in the same fashion that Gary Ablett senior – a freakishly skilled player with the ability to turn a game through his own brilliance.
He is one of those rare players who has the x-factor.
He is unpredictable, audaciously talented, supremely confident in his own ability and with an athleticism that most big (and little) men can only dream of.
While you might be able to contain him for a quarter, a half, or even three quarters, it is impossible to keep the big man down for long. As Carlton found out last weekend, a quiet Franklin early in the game doesn’t necessarily translate to a quiet Franklin later on; Buddy’s six second-half goals put paid to any chance the Blues had.
Like former teammate Cyril Rioli, he only needs a five minute burst to hurt a side, and the danger of him cutting loose, even on a bad day, means that opposition teams cannot afford to ignore him even for a moment.
Fans and commentators love him, as he breaks all the rules. Rather than being a robot who studiously follows team rules, he backs himself in. Whether it is one of his trademark goals, hooked across his body while running deep into the pocket, or a long bomb from beyond fifty, he has the confidence, and perhaps the arrogance, to believe he is the best option when those circumstances arise.
Of course, he doesn’t always kick truly, but when he does it brings the house down and there is no finer sight in football. In short, the game is better for him being around.
It is hard to believe that a player of his ilk could become stale, but that is exactly what happened to him at Hawthorn. Maybe it was the weight of expectation, or perhaps things had just become too comfortable and familiar, but Buddy just didn’t seem like Buddy any more. Fans began to whisper that perhaps Hawthorn were a better team without him.
It was very Richmondesque (Matthew Richardson put up with similar from his team’s supporters) and not something you’d expect from the seemingly tight nit, self confessed ‘family club’.
Remember of course that this was the same player who was elevated to a godlike status after kicking 113 goals in Hawthorn’s premiership year in 2008 and single-handedly propelling them into the second week of the 2007 finals series by nailing impossible boundary line goals against Adelaide in their elimination encounter.
These, along with the cheeky catch-me-if-you-can moments, are what we will long remember about Franklin. The footage of him outrunning Essendon’s Cale Hooker while bouncing towards goal has already become iconic, immortalised in much the same way as Alex Jesaulenko’s mark in the 1970 grand final or Ray Gabelich’s running goal in the 1964 decider.
But as well as being flashy and prone to moments of sublime brilliance, Franklin has also been surprisingly consistent in his role as goal kicker. 60 goals last year was his lowest return since his second season way back in 2006. That equates to seven seasons in a row of kicking 60 goals or more, a better than reasonable return considering the way football is played today.
Now Sydney’s investment in the enigmatic forward is beginning to pay dividends. It will be still some time before we really know if Franklin has been worth the money, but his performances over the second half of this season certainly indicate that Sydney are a better side with Buddy’s name on the team sheet.
After a slow start he has proven that Sydney were right to take a punt on him. 33 goals in his last eight games have helped the Swans amass an 11-game winning streak and become hot premiership favourites.
Pre-season concerns that Franklin wouldn’t ‘fit in’ at Sydney, a team that has a reputation of being selfless, have been dispelled. He has proven he can work with others, he teams well with Kurt Tippett (on the rare occasions Tippett is fit enough to take the field) and has found his way into the hearts and minds of teammates and supporters alike.
What first appeared to be a mismatch has developed into what might become a long term love affair, an affair that has rejuvenated Franklin’s football.
And a rejuvenated Franklin is a scary proposition. If he continues on this path he will soon find himself among the elite of the elite, being spoken of in the same breath as Ablett senior and Jesaulenko.
It would be just reward for the pleasure he has given us.
Peter Baudinette
Roar Guru
New York Hawk, Most Swans fans I know felt the same way about Buddy coming to the Swans as they did about Lockett and Hall. I remember my old man actually wrote a letter to the Swans pleading with them not to take Lockett, how wrong he was. It's not out of disrespect to the club he came from. The Swans club and it's supporters are pretty proud of the Bloods culture and were probably a bit worried about how he would fit in regardless of who he played for. The media honed right in on it as well so they had every right to be worried. No one is judging his ability and talent. Just his character. Don't be too harsh to criticise the knowledge of the supporters North of the border. They all know he can't kick straight. His accuracy is on the money at the moment.
New York Hawk
Guest
Yes - every swans supporter (and other clubs' supporters for that matter) who commented that Buddy would ruin the Bloods culture and rip apart the fabric of the team. They were all over this site and many others from October 2013 to about round 6. By saying that, you are saying he doesn't conform to them team way of doing things. The further implication is that Hawthorn allowed him to be that way, which is weak governance - the individual is bigger than the team. By saying these things, it is saying he is coming from a crappy club and there is no other way to interpret it, ignorant as it may be.
Momentbymoment
Guest
Don't worry New York Hawk. Nick Davis is doing wonders for his kicking.
Momentbymoment
Guest
Still a win/win.
Cat
Roar Guru
Billy Smedts was taken with one compo pick and as you pointed out the other was traded to GCFC for Josh Caddy.
Luke
Guest
Thats completely unfair, 2 first round picks. In my opinion if Gary Ablett is worth 2 first round picks then Lance Franklin the bloke who kicked 100 goals one year and averages over 3 goals per game over his career is worth 2 first round picks as well. Ultimately, I do not believe in giving clubs 2 first round picks for the sake of one player. One first round pick is reasonable enough. My question now, Geelong gave up one of their compensation picks to receive Josh Caddy. I can't remember but have Geelong used their other first round compensation pick and if they haven't how much longer do they get to activate it.
Cat
Roar Guru
based on the system that was in place at the time I think it was fair, but it doesn't change my mind that team should not be compensated at the expense of all other clubs because they choose/cannot resign one of their own players. It also why I believe the AFL have made a grave error in only copying half of the American free agency equation. The AFL need 'deadline trades' a team who isn't in contention, lets same Melbourne as an example, could deal Frawley (if it was convinced it could not resign him) for picks/players to a contending team who may only 'rent Frawley in the hopes he is the player they need to make a more serious final push, or in the hopes of signing him before he enters free agency. This would be a win/win, Melbourne would get something for frawley, and another team would get his services at least for the rest of the season and a chance to convince him that this is the place he should sign. Teams out of contention could fast track their regeneration and teams in contention could bolster their chances with wise moves.
Steve
Guest
So Gene, what are your thoughts on Geelong receiving two first round draft picks for Gary Ablett Jnr?
Bosk
Roar Rookie
I'm more amused that Longmire is suddenly bemoaning the harsh treatment Buddy cops from defenders after years of praising Ted Richards for doing precisely the same thing to Franklin during his years at Hawthorn.
Luke
Guest
Yes, its rewarding failure but at least its not like the previous rule where if you got 16 points or under you would receive a priority pick which clearly encouraged tanking. The saints aren't playing for a priority pick, I mean they're that bad at the moment and are miles behind the competition. But the point of all of this is give the Saints one priority pick which will help them and really even up the competition. Then if they finish last next year and win 2 games well thats their problem. So I believe providing them one priority pick whilst their down the bottom end is reasonable. Especially since in the past Hawthorn, Collingwood, Melbourne have recieved extra picks when they haven't been nearly as bad. And other thing I think was unfair was Gold Coast and GWS access to the 'Mini Draft' which I believe is ridiculous with everything they had already been granted.
Cat
Roar Guru
The reality is Sydney is paying for and staffing the majority of the academy, so they should get something out of it. The proposed changes while still not the best solution (best would be the AFL running and paying for the academy, it is the AFL's job to grow the game after all) are a much better reality than the current system. Sometimes you have to live with compromises. ------- Under the rules the Saints may have a case for a priority pick, but I still don't like it, its still rewarding failure. The Saints were playing in GF's just a few years ago and if they get a priority pick this year what will happen the next couple years when it gets worse with the retirement of Hayes, Montagna, Riewoldt etc.?
Luke
Guest
Why they have access to an Academy players in the first place is beyond me. I understand why the Lions should have access to it because obviously in past it has been difficult to attract kids from states around Australia as I'm sure you remember plenty of their kids left over the past few years. But Sydney isn't as far as Queensland compared to Vic, Tassie, WA, SA so I feel they have no right to be able to attain any players free of charge. In my opinion this should be scraped and Sydney may not have access to academy players. One thing I wanted your opinion on . Ok The Saints won't win another game for the season Obviously their last games against: Freo, GC, WB, Swans, Tigers & Adelaide. My point is they have a strong case for a priority pick this season. Let me tell you why. Firstly the new rules regarding the whether teams are eligible for a priority pick is 1. Teams % St Kilda's is currently 57% and with games against Freo, Adelaide away and Swans is likely to get worse 2.Injury list Saints has had plenty of injuries including Gilbert, Fisher, Steven Geary, Armitage, Schnieder, Siposs, Templeton, Webster. 3.Finally their performance over the last few years. Saints won 5 games last year, now they've won 3 this year. 8 wins from the past 44 games is worrying signs and with retirements to key players will only see them get worse. Hayes is done, Schnieder, Fisher, Jones all likely to be gone at seasons end with Riewoldt, Montagna Ray Dempster, Gwilt and Gilbert in the next 1-3. So, I think the Saints certaintly have a case to receive a priority pick
Cat
Roar Guru
If Frawley gets the contract he is rumored to be seeking (it will also depend on length of contract, but I'd hazard it will be in the 3-5 yr length) I think Melbourne will end up with an end of 1st round draft pick. BUT, it will also depend on whether Melbourne brings in any free agents as well.
Cat
Roar Guru
If a team matches the offer and the player doesn't want to stay then a trade has to be arranged or the player enters the draft where he is subject to the rules of the draft. Thats the rule, I think its a fair rule ------------- Hawthorn make a conscious decision to let Franklin go and take the draft pick the AFL gave them, every single team after that draft pick was one spot worse off for the rest of the draft. The team that had pick 20, now had pick 21 etc. What will happen when let's say there are 7 compo picks in a single draft and so that a team with pick 20 is suddenly left with pick 27 through no fault of their own. Its going to be like having compromised drafts every year. --------------- COLA is going, good riddance, I don't have a problem with its replacement (only the lowest paid need any assistance but it shouldn't be limited only to sydney clubs but should be on a case by case basis approved by the AFL) ---------------- As for Academies (and F/S picks), if the whispers are correct that there will be a panel formed to decide what each player would be actually worth and the cost to select that player to potentially involve multiple picks, I see that as an okay compromise. Example: Isaac Henny, if the panel decided that Henney would be a top 5 draft pick if he was on the open market, and Sydney wanted him they would have to give up their first round AND second round picks for him because their first round pick (#18) is not comparable to top 5. My worry is how accurate/biased will this panel be. Rumors are this change will happen this year and be announced soon.
Luke
Guest
Well if you heard last night Frawley is rumoured to be after a long term deal probably worth $700,000+ and at 26 I suppose thats around about where players are at the height of they're game. But as I said with a bloke called Paul Roos at their club, they lose Frawley I gaurentee you he will demand a first round pick for him and because its Paul Roos they'll probably get it too. But I absolutely disagree with that.
Luke
Guest
Yes, they can match the offer but sometimes you can't force someone to stay at a club if they do not want to be there and usually these restricted free agents generally go about searching for other clubs and expecting more than they're worth. SO obviously sometimes it is best for both parties to let them go because their is no point over paying someone and no point having a player on your list who doesn't want to be there. Anyway the other rule with free agency I think we both forgot is that teams may not get compensated anything for example if they lose a player in free agency and if they gain a player in free agency. And it is not punishing other clubs Gene if everyone has access to it and sometimes it can be a tactic to lose a player and get a pick for him. But I only think that if players are compensated fairly will make for an even system... Lastly, I'd like to know what you'd think we should do with free agency And whilst we're on the subject of fairness I'll tell you what punishing other clubs is the COLA theres enough to debate about that but I want to get your thoughts on Sydney's access to academy players including a player in the upcoming draft named Isaac Henney this kids a top talent and if it wasn't for the Swans he'd be a top 10 pick he is just a gun midfileder and Sydney can take him like taking a father son rule
Cat
Roar Guru
The compensation formula produces a points rating for players based on: 1. The new contract of the free agent; 2. The age of the free agent. Draft picks are allocated to clubs based on the net total points for free agents lost and gained during the transfer period. Ladder position and previous contract have no bearing at all on compo picks.
shezza
Guest
Melb wont get pick 4 if Frawley leaves as it is based on salary paid and b&f finish. Dale Thomas was in high bracket of paid playersat Coll, Frawley isn't apparently. Franklin going to Syd was based on ladder position.Completely fair
Cat
Roar Guru
You misunderstand the term restricted. A restricted free agent's original team has the ability to match the offer from the team offering the new contract, If the original team matches the contract the player must stay with the original team. An Unrestricted free agents original team has no ability to match. That is the difference between the two. How is punishing 17 other clubs for one teams loss, fair? You still didn't explain that. PS: there has been plenty of scuttlebutt about changes coming to free agency, including scraping/changes to compo picks. It will happen sooner or later.
Michael huston
Guest
Can you name me some of these Swans supporters? Because I don't think anyone whose watched footy for the last several years would argue that Hawthorn are a fantastic team and Buddy is a great player, Swans fan or not.