IMMORTAL: Lance 'Buddy' Franklin is a once in a generation player and we will never see another like him, the 336-gamer looks destined for the Lions, but is this the right call?
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LANCE ‘Buddy’ Franklin. Champion. Freakish. Immortal. The game won’t see another player like him. He’s the LeBron James of the AFL. Entertaining. Box office. High profile.
On Thursday night, it was announced that the marquee man has told Sydney that he will be leaving at the end of the season, with Brisbane deemed as his preferred location.
But is Brisbane REALLY the best fit for Buddy? Yes, the Lions are firm premiership contenders, but is Buddy the right player to accompany their already star-studded forward line?
Franklin would be asked to play a cameo in ‘The Joe Show’, when we all know that Buddy expects to be a walk-up headliner.
With Eric Hipwood and Charlie Cameron to also contend with, Buddy would get limited touches of the ball.
Then add in Dan McStay if the move to Collingwood falls through, and it gets even worse for the Swans superstar.
Whilst the idea sounds like a match made in heaven on paper, and a nightmare for opposition defenders, the fit would not be beneficial to Franklin, nor the Brisbane Lions.
THE 35-year-old is out of contract at the season's end and has told Sydney of his preference to play with Brisbane in 2023.
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So where exactly would Buddy best be suited? Could he be the missing piece for a premiership contender, or could he get another dynasty off the ground? Let’s find out.
Fremantle
A move back to his home state could bring the Dockers their maiden premiership.
Like at Sydney, Franklin would have a young and promising midfield to feed him the ball, and handy small forwards in Schultz, Switkowski and Walters to work with.
Rory Lobb is set to move on next season, posing as a problem in the key-forward department.
With Taberner so far having an underwhelming campaign, and Fyfe spending most of his time on the sidelines, Franklin could be the focal point that the Dockers have been looking for.
Collingwood
A key forward has been on the radar for the Magpies for the best part of a decade, and Buddy could finally prove the answer.
Although Collingwood have been strongly linked to McStay, a move for the Swans big man would be better for their premiership credentials.
With the McStay offer rumoured at $600,000 a season for five years, the Pies could get an experienced first-option key forward for the same price.
AT the age of 35, Buddy has kicked 45 goals this season and has shown he still has what it takes to be a lethal weapon at the top level.
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Gold Coast
With a move to the Gold Coast being touted by the Franklin family, why are the Gold Coast Suns not in the conversation for the all-time great?
An exciting team with a need for an experienced campaigner, Buddy would fit the mould perfectly.
Mabior Chol has been prolific this season, in the absence of Ben King, and would be the perfect third tall, if Buddy was to move to the Suns.
The move could put Gold Coast on the map and propel a sneaky premiership tilt.
Hawthorn
A return to where it all began is exactly what Hawks fans have been screaming out for.
It would definitely make that link between Lance Franklin and LeBron James more realistic.
Hawthorn’s current rebuild could be bolstered by the expertise of the 300-plus gamer.
The opportunity for Buddy to be Mitch Lewis’ protégé, should ring alarm bells for Hawks management. A contingent of Koschitzke, Gunston, Breust and Dylan Moore would help to get the brown and gold back on track.
BUDDY Franklin (left) and Alastair Clarkson (right) embrace after a win over Adelaide Crows back in 2010, could these two champions reunite?
North Melbourne
Could there be a Clarko and Buddy reunion on the cards?
Although it might seem ridiculous, it is exactly what the Kangas need.
With Cam Zurhaar exploring his options, and Nick Larkey a couple of steps away from becoming a lethal key forward, Franklin would get North Melbourne off the bottom of the ladder.
Plus, a healthy salary cap means that the 35-year-old would not have to take a significant pay cut.
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