It’s the elephant in the Swans’ changing room; the big question at the back of every player’s mind, as well as the many thousands of supporters he’s enthralled for the past decade in red and white. Is this the really last time we’re going to see Lance Franklin play?
But his teammates, friends, and even those who will be plotting his downfall at the MCG on Friday night are asking themselves something different on the eve of what could be his last AFL finals series.
Why on earth would it be?
Since putting his contract talks on hold until the end of the season, all the rumours, theories and hysteria surrounding Buddy’s future in the game have died down – much to Sydney’s delight, so coach John Longmire and his players can concentrate fully on Friday night’s clash with Melbourne, and not the white noise that seems to permanently surround the team’s biggest star.
The public wrangling over Franklin’s contract negotiations, and the apparent stalemate between player and club over what seems to be a few hundred thousand dollars at most, had been unedifying for both parties – particularly since both managed to keep his original nine-year, $10 million deal a secret from the entire footy world, including the AFL itself.
Nobody really knows what the 35-year-old, an intensely private man at the best of times, is thinking, except for those in his innermost circle. For their part, those on the periphery can’t understand why he’d want to retire when he’s so close to a third AFL premiership – much closer than he would be if, as some have reported, he seeks a move to the Brisbane Lions to be closer to his wife’s family.
Will Lance Franklin play on? Only he knows, but those close to him can’t see why he wouldn’t.Credit:AFL Photos
Starting all over again with a new list, team and city wouldn’t seem to make much sense for Franklin, the elder statesman among a crop of exciting young Swans players who he’s personally helped nurture and develop.
“Having spoken to Buddy previously, I just know that he’s just excited with this young group that he’s been able to work and mentor with,” said former Swan Jude Bolton.
“He’s realised that they’ve given him a position to be on the big stage again in finals footy. I expect him to have a big impact [in the finals] – even though he’s able to be that sort of cameo player, as he’s shown this year, he still kicked 50 goals, for a cameo player.”
That’s the bit Melbourne’s backline coach Troy Chaplin can’t get past either – why would Franklin give the game away when, clearly, he’s still got it?
Scenes: Lance Franklin celebrates his 1000th AFL goal with fans at the SCG in March.Credit:Michael Wilson, Getty Images
The Swans, touch wood, seem to have cracked the code when it comes to managing his body, which appeared to be reaching its natural limit a couple of years ago when repeated hamstring injuries kept him off the park.
This year, Franklin has rarely trained, and spends most of his week whittling away at a tailor-made strength and conditioning program designed to prevent further soft-tissue mishaps – and it’s working. Barring injury or suspension, he’s played every game he’s available for, while rest periods like the pre-finals bye have come at the ideal time.
“To kick another 50 goals is just phenomenal,” Chaplin said. “We keep writing these players off, just through age – we look at their age, but what he’s been able to do [has been remarkable]. And he hasn’t played every game either, so he probably could have kicked 60 to 70, really.
“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 – if you’ve got a player that’s kicking 50 goals, he can continue on. It’s a credit to what Buddy has been able to do and the Sydney football club, as well, to be able to manage him and make sure they get the best out of him.”
Franklin was suspended the last time the Swans met the Demons, back in round 12, when Sydney claimed a 12-point win at the MCG. But Melbourne’s co-captain Steven May, who usually lines up on him, didn’t play either – and a lot has happened since.
The Swans, winners in their last seven games, go into this one unchanged. On paper, Friday night is a true 50-50 contest. Both sides have reason to be confident. It’s at this time of year, and in these sorts of games, when Franklin tends to do his best work.
The deeper Sydney goes in this finals series, the closer they get to the ultimate glory, the more difficult it will surely be for Franklin to sign off.
But what about if they went all the way? Would he retire then?
“That’s a good question. I don’t know,” said Isaac Heeney. “I’m sure he’d want to keep playing until he’s 50.”
Franklin’s management, unsurprisingly, won’t answer that one either.
Let’s leave the last word to Chad Warner, one of Buddy’s most recent proteges and the player who famously set up his 1000th goal.
“You’d have to ask him, but I reckon it’d a great way to finish,” Warner said.
“We love him. The whole year with him has been amazing. It started with the 1000 – obviously that’s something all of us boys just couldn’t imagine, and that you’ll never see again. It could be a couple games left for him, you never know. He’s obviously not saying anything about it.
“Hopefully we can go all the way. He’d love that – finish off with another one around his neck.”
