One of the biggest signings in AFL history is almost complete after the Sydney Swans officially lodged their huge offer to the AFL for the versatile forward.
Sydney have reportedly offered Franklin a $10 million, nine-year contract to leave Hawthorn that will become official once the AFL finish examining the controversial deal that has sparked anger around the league.
Many clubs are outraged at the AFL’s cost-of-living allowance given to both Sydney clubs, enabling both Sydney and Greater Western Sydney to offer roughly $1 million extra to players because the city is deemed to be a more expensive market.
“Sydney have made an offer to restricted free agent Lance Franklin. The AFL is currently still examining this offer,” AFL media manager Patrick Keane tweeted.
“The AFL will advise the respective clubs and the wider football public immediately when the examination of Franklin offer has been concluded.”
The surprise Buddy-to-Sydney move looks as if it had been in motion for some time- Franklin’s management allegedly contacted the Swans after the 2012 Grand Final defeat expressing their client’s interest in playing for Sydney.
The Swans sent through a contract offer to Franklin in mid-September, but according to his manager no decision was made until after the Hawks win over Fremantle last weekend.
Buddy’s manager Liam Pickering said the decision to leave the Premiership winning Hawks came down to future opportunities to play finals football.
“He wants to play in finals … the Giants are going to be a really good team, but it’s going to be a harder build,” he told AFL.com.au.
“The Swans, when their stadium is finished, they’re going to play in front of full houses every week, which he’s used to.
“So in the end there’s two teams in Sydney and he had to play with one of them if he wanted to leave Melbourne and he ended up wanting to play with the Swans.”
Pickering said escaping “Melbourne’s bubble” also factored into the decision. The constant in-you-face media attention wore on Buddy over the course of his Hawks career to the point where the 26-year-old wanted to get away from the city.
Get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
Follow Robert White on Twitter @RobertWhitebrrr.
