‘What’s he doing?’: Buddy Franklin’s brain fade as Swans slump to 12-year first

Buddy Franklin’s season is going from bad to worse as he suffered an all-time brain fade as the Swans slumped to another loss.

Buddy Franklin had a brain fade.

The Sydney Swans’ season is looking unsalvageable after they slumped to a fourth straight loss against Fremantle at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Swans led by 12 at quarter time but Fremantle took the lead in the second term and never looked back, going on to claim a 16.7 (103) to 13.8 (86) victory.

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Sydney’s injury crisis worsened when co-captain Callum Mills was ruled out with a calf injury in the first quarter, while key forward Logan McDonald limped off with a left leg issue.

With Tom and Paddy McCartin, Dane Rampe and Sam Reid out injured, it was always going to be tough for the Swans.

Lance Franklin had just four disposals and didn’t kick a goal for the second week in a row. It’s the first time since 2013 Franklin has gone goalless in consecutive games.

Goalless back to back games for Lance Franklin
Career games ...
2005 #6 & 7 - haw v carl & wce
2013 #166 & 167 - haw v nth & adel
2023 #346 & 347 - SYD v COLL & FREM

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The champion forward has been well below his best this year and he had an all-time brain fade early in the third quarter.

Franklin was paid a mark at the top of the goalsquare but chose to play on and attempt to snap through a goal instead of going back for the set shot.

But he didn’t realise Luke Ryan was right behind him and the Dockers defender pounced, tackling Franklin and winning a holding the ball free kick.

"Oh Buddy! What's he doing?" - Franklin has a brain fade and it's a disastrous turnover.

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The commentators couldn’t believe their eyes as Franklin somehow gave up a certain goal.

Leigh Montagna exclaimed on Fox Footy: “What’s he doing? Bud! He just got too excited.

“He had no need to play on from two metres out. He hasn’t done that in 347 games of football.”

Dermott Brereton said: “It’s almost like he lost himself.”

Buddy Franklin had a brain fade. Photo: Fox Sports.

It was a tough day for Buddy and the Swans. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Nine rounds into the season, Franklin’s decision to play on for one more season after the Swans lost last year’s Grand Final has looked like the wrong call.

McDonald, viewed as Franklin’s heir apparent in the forward line, kicked one goal from three disposals before he was injured in the second quarter.

But on the evidence this year, it seems McDonald and Franklin can’t function in the same forward line and the Swans are a better team when the 347-game veteran doesn’t play.

Two of Sydney’s three wins this season have come when Franklin has not been in the team.

Fremantle claimed their first win at the SCG since 2011 to get their season back on track with a fourth victory of the year.

The Dockers leapfrogged Sydney on the ladder into 12th spot, while the Swans are languishing in 14th.

Originally published as ‘What’s he doing?’: Buddy Franklin’s brain fade as Swans slump to 12-year first