Buddy Franklin to retire or leave the Swans after team asked him to take a pay cut of more than 50 PER CENT to play on in 2023 – potentially opening the door for Dustin Martin to move to Sydney
- Reports indicate the Swans have offered Franklin less than half current contract
- It could lead to the forward seeking a new club or retiring if talks don’t improve
- Saving money could pave the way for a crack at Dustin Martin for 2023
In a development that has shocked the footy world, superstar Swans player Lance Franklin is reportedly weighing up moving to a third club or retiring after Sydney offered him less than half the money he is currently on.
Franklin, who is one of only four players to play 150 or more games for two VFL/AFL clubs, may well be on the lookout for a new club if talks between he and the Swans don’t improve.
The former premiership Hawk famously signed a blockbuster nine-year, $10million deal in 2013 to join Sydney, but the Herald Sun is reporting the Swans are currently only offering their star forward approximately $500,000 for 2023.
Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin celebrates a goal during Round 11 match against Richmond
Club and player are still a long way apart, and given Franklin’s form over 2022 there is no doubt he has more footy in him.
It’s believed Franklin is seeking a contract worth between $700,000 to $800,000 a season – which it must be said is still a significant pay cut from his current contract.
While the full-forward, who recently kicked his 1000th goal, is 35-years-old, he has been in strong form across the past two years after missing the entire 2020 season.
Lance Franklin is mobbed by fans after kicking his 1000th goal at the SCG in March
He’s kicked 85 goals from 32 games, and aside from his wonderful leadership on and off the field, he continues to be a remarkable marketing asset for the club.
This was a sentiment echoed by long-time Swans president Andrew Pridham, who said the club continued to be impressed by the star.
‘He’s looking fantastically fit, so I think we’re pretty keen to extend him if that’s what he wants to do, and I think it is,’ he told Seven.
Franklin and wife Jesinta, who have two young children, have recently admitted they would be open to move cities again.
Glamour couple Jesinta and Lance Franklin at a social event last year
Jesinta’s parents reside in Queensland, while ‘Buddy’ is a West Australian native – and his parent still live in the state.
She told News Corp pullout Body+Soul they would love to be around more family at some point in the near future.
‘I think there’s still a lot of good football left in him, but it’s our dream, whether that’s in five years or 10 years or whenever, to be able to live closer to one of the grandparents and have quality time with them,’ Jesinta said.
Saving money on Franklin’s contract could help pave the way for recruiting Richmond superstar Dustin Martin for 2023 onwards.
Dustin Martin may be interested in a move to the harbour city for the 2023 season
The Swans have denied they have made any advances to the three-time premiership player’s manager, but the whispers continue to grow louder that Martin will seek a move away from Melbourne – something the club gave their blessing to do.
The three-time Norm Smith Medal winner and premiership Tiger is on $1.2million for next season, and while the Swans do have more salary cap room than most clubs, a significant saving on Franklin may be a crucial piece to acquiring Martin.
Lance Franklin kicks a goal during the Swans win over the Western Bulldogs last round
He’s previously lived in Sydney during his younger years, and spent time in the city while on personal leave earlier this year.
It’s safe to say there is a lot of trade talks on the cards ahead of the 2023 season.
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