Lance Franklin isn’t leaving Sydney, let’s be honest.
Speculating about where he may end up is a waste of time, but if you can’t have a bit of fun with sudden Franklin trade speculation, then what can you have fun with?
Franklin has played 14 games this season and has kicked 34 goals for the Swans, showing he still has the ability to get through a year and impact the scoreboard.
We’ve ranked all 17 clubs by how perfect a fit they would be for Franklin in 2023 and beyond.
The questions we’re asking of each team are pretty simple – does this side need a 35-year-old key forward? Can they afford him? Are they anywhere near contending? Would they splash the cash on him?
Here’s what we’ve come up with (in reverse order):
17. North Melbourne
The Roos do not need a 35-year-old key forward.
16. West Coast
Neither do the Eagles. They will have one of their own in a few weeks.
15. Geelong
The Cats already have their juggernaut key forward pairing.
14. Carlton
As above. Also salary cap.
13. Adelaide
The Crows are at the start of their rebuild, have a veteran key forward already, and need to get games into Riley Thilthorpe.
12. Hawthorn
A reunion back at the Hawks for Franklin? Doesn’t seem to make much sense given where they’re in their cycle. Would be a nice story, though.
11. Essendon
The Bombers have the breakout player of the year in Peter Wright and a developing Harry Jones, but adding a marquee name like Franklin would be huge for the club’s brand and potentially help them return to finals in 2023.
10. Richmond
If Jack Riewoldt retires, then sure, maybe, and the Tigers are in their premiership window, but this still doesn’t seem like a great fit.
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9. Western Bulldogs
If Josh Bruce can’t get back to his best, the Dogs could use support for Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (and the perfect mentor for Jamarra). The Dogs’ salary cap should be going towards the other end of the ground, though.
8. Port Adelaide
The Power could absolutely benefit from having another key forward option and if they’re going all-in on the next few seasons under Ken Hinkley, could they consider making a play?
7. St Kilda
St Kilda has their generational key forward in Max King, but has room for a secondary key forward target. King and Buddy are among the most targeted players inside 50 in the competition and together could cause a few headaches for opposition backlines.
6. Brisbane
If the Lions lose Dan McStay, there will be an opening in their forward 50. Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood and Lance Franklin may be overkill, but could this move help Brisbane win one or two more games come September?
5. GWS Giants
The Giants haven’t really had much of a forward line since Jeremy Cameron left. Buddy is already in the state. Could the prophecy finally be fulfilled?
4. Collingwood
Collingwood is looking for a key forward and reportedly is set to spend $3 million over five years for Dan McStay … so why not Buddy? It feels like the kind of marquee move the Magpies would attempt.
3. Gold Coast
What a perfect marquee name for the Suns to bring inside their four walls for a year or two. Franklin would bring crowds to the game and would surely fit alongside Ben King and Mabior Chol as Gold Coast hopes to climb the ladder.
2. Fremantle
Fremantle would almost be the perfect landing spot for Franklin. Buddy returning to Perth would be among the greatest homecomings in footy history. The Dockers need a key forward, especially if Rory Lobb leaves, and they’re right in their premiership window.
1. Melbourne
Melbourne needs a spearhead inside 50. They are right at the peak of their powers where buying one or two years of Buddy could lead to a flag.
The Dees are clearly at the top of this list.
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