Buddy Franklin’s advice to Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Harley Reid

Buddy Franklin has offered his advice to the young guns owning the AFL season headlines after a troubled start on and off the field.

AFL great Lance Franklin has stressed the importance of relationships and supportive networks for young yet high-profile stars like Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Harley Reid.

Both No. 1 picks Ugle-Hagan and Reid have owned this season’s spotlight for differing reasons.

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Ugle-Hagan has been in and out of the club on a flexible training program while Reid has been under the microscope for his on-field performances.

Franklin, once the AFL’s most highest profile player, said he would take a call from Ugle-Hagan if the young Bulldog wanted advice.

Franklin said he hadn’t received any calls from players since his retirement and pressed the significance of trust within the four walls of every club.

Harley Reid was fined for a middle-finger gesture to a Brisbane Lions supporter on Sunday.

“I think it comes back to that enjoyment factor, if you love what you do and you’re passionate about it,” he said.

“Obviously you want to stay in the game as long as possible but I was on record the other day saying the biggest thing for any young kid is having those open relationships and trust within the club and the people who are there.

“I think having the support network around you, that’s the biggest thing.

“Whether you’re high-profile or having just been drafted, you need good people around you to pull you into line when you need to be, or just be there for you when you’re playing good or whatever’s happening in your life.

“That was the biggest learning I took out of my career.”

Ugle-Hagan has been linked to a move elsewhere since the introduction of his flexible training program but one most prominently is Franklin’s former club Sydney.

Lance Franklin has stressed the importance of supportive networks to young stars Harley Reid and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Franklin denied suggestions the spotlight on players in NSW is smaller compared to Victoria, declaring Sydney is “going to another level”.

“I think the Sydney market is definitely growing, for sure, it’s huge,” he said.

“They’ve got packed stadiums every week at the SCG now, the game is going to another level up there and I think it’s been unbelievable really … it’s a great thing to see.”

Brownlow medallist defends Reid

Last weekend Reid gave away seven free kicks and was criticised for a scuffle on the turf with Lions veteran Dayne Zorko and an exchange with Brisbane fans that included him giving a section of the crowd a middle-finger gesture.

“I’ve seen a lot of commentary around him … I think people need to lay off him a bit and let him play footy,” Lions co-captain Lachie Neale said.

“He’s a young man trying to find his way in a difficult environment, especially in Perth.

“I just want to see the kid play some good footy and enjoy himself, and at the moment, it probably seems like he’s not, and a lot of that is to do with the distractions outside.

“He’s a 19-year-old kid that’s trying to find his way … I don’t really blame him for the way he’s acting at the moment.

“I’m sure he’s got good people around him that’ll help. I just want to see that kid do really well, and hopefully we see the best of him in a West Coast jumper.”

Franklin: Hawks good enough to win flag

Franklin has hailed former teammate Sam Mitchell a “super coach” and believes Hawthorn’s best under him is good enough to win the premiership.

The Hawks have raced to 3-0 — a feat they achieved in premiership seasons 2008 and 2014.

Franklin was Hawthorn’s best player in one of those years (2008) while Mitchell was the club captain.

The star goal kicker referenced the Hawks’ form since their 0-5 start to 2024 and backed them to contend for the flag if they delivered their best footy.

“It’s still very early in the season but if you look at since Round 6 last year, their form has probably been the best (in the competition) besides Brisbane,” Franklin said.

“There’s a lot to play out but there’s no doubt their best is up there.”

Lance Franklin says his former side Hawthorn has the ability to win the premiership under “super coach” Sam Mitchell (R). (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Franklin said he would have loved to have played for the ‘Hollywood Hawks’ with “mosquito fleet” Nick Watson, Dylan Moore and Jack Ginnivan at his feet.

Mitchell’s prowess as a coach comes as no surprise to Franklin, who labelled his long-time teammate a “super coach”.

“I think they’re in a really good spot … it’s a long year ahead but they’ve really set themselves up with three early wins,” he said.

“Sam is a super coach, he’s obviously doing some really good things, the boys are well drilled and playing some good footy.

“It’s obviously early in the year but if they can continue on, hopefully they can go all the way.

“It’s a mosquito fleet … that’s what the game is about, isn’t it? You want some big boys but it’s also about having multiple options and that’s what the Hawks have got.”

Hawthorn face a huge test with fellow undefeated side GWS in Launceston on Saturday night.