AFL great Brendon Goddard has suggested it is time for Lance Franklin to “step aside” and accept a lower contract which will allow the Sydney Swans financial flexibility.
Speculation surrounding Franklin’s future with the Swans has been rife with reports suggesting the 35-year-old could potentially walk from the club or retire if his contract demands aren’t met.
Franklin is in the final year of a bumper nine-year, $10 million deal he signed with the Swans when he joined the club prior to the 2014 season, and is understood to be keen to play on next season.
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According to Goddard, the fact that Franklin has already received his big career pay packet should mean he is more prepared to sacrifice money this time around in negotiations.
“It sits a little bit uncomfortably with me because arguably he is (worth $700,000 a year) in terms of PR and marketing, what he is to a Sydney-based audience,” he told Nine’s Sports Sunday.
“We understand what he’s done as a footballer on the field and promoting the game, but at the same time, you’ve just come off a $10.5 million deal over 10 years and it is your time now to step aside.”
Goddard suggested that the champion goalkicker should be prepared to sacrifice up to $250,000 per year on a new deal to help the Swans build a stronger list around him.
“As a player, we all hear about the living expenses here in Sydney and how $250,000 can have an impact on the rest of the group,” he said.
“He’s probably worth that much ($700,000) to someone else, but the team he’s in and how much he’s been paid in previous years by Sydney, I think it’s time to take a step aside.”
Franklin kicked one goal in the Swans’ 17-point win in Perth over Fremantle on Saturday night and noticeably brushed a question about his future from former Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich on Fox Footy’s coverage.
The Swans star was asked about how he dealt with speculation surrounding his future and opted to play a straight bat.
“I’ve played for 18 years mate so I’m pretty much used to all that commentary,” Franklin said.
“You just put it to the side, move on, come out here, everyone as I said played really well and really happy with that win.”
Pavlich had another dig, asking Franklin: “But you like the red and white I’m sure?”, but did not receive a response, with Franklin laughing and shaking his hand before walking off.
According to The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald reports, Franklin is “miffed” by speculation surrounding his future beyond this season.
Swans CEO Tom Harley has been adamant that Franklin will remain in Sydney despite the forward still being unsigned for next season and beyond.
“Absolutely, there’s no doubt about that,” Harley said on SEN. “We think that Lance has been an amazing contributor to the club and the code and has become iconically Sydney and part of the Sydney Swans family, so that’s absolutely our intent (to retain Franklin) for sure.”