Robbo: Lance Franklin could play on in 2024 after turnaround of form

Lance Franklin informed his close friends of his retirement plans four weeks ago, but a change of heart could be on the cards. Will Buddy play on? Mark Robinson has the details.

Lance Franklin of the Swans celebrates with Tom Papley of the Swans after the win during the round 19 AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium, on July 22, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Four weeks back, Lance Franklin told close friends he was retiring at the end of the year.

The frank self-diagnosis came amid a run of poor form which coincided with a stressed body and a Sydney season which was listing towards seasonal oblivion.

But something’s changed within Franklin. He looks fresher and fitter.

Franklin appeared cooked at the midway point of the season.

Lance Franklin has turned his form around. Picture: Getty Images

Against Fremantle in round 9, he was worked over by Alex Peace and only Swans coach John Longmire saved him some face by conceding the next day that Franklin was ill and shouldn’t have played.

In round 11, he had seven touches and took one mark against Carlton.

He missed round 12 and rounds 14-16 because of injury and then after the round 17 match against Richmond at the MCG, which was billed as the champion forwards last game at headquarters, Franklin gave his footy jumper to the sons of former teammate Jordan Lewis.

Nostalgia was kicking in.

But Franklin is now considering trying to kick it out.

While retirement was considered a near certainty, the Herald Sun has learnt that Franklin is open-minded about playing again in 2024.

In recent weeks, his body has been refreshed. He’s moving laterally better than at any stage of the season. He is marking the ball better too — he’s taken 16 grabs in three weeks — and is kicking goals.

In the Tigers game, he kicked two goals and followed up with two more against the Bulldogs and three goals against Fremantle last weekend.

The Swans also won two of those games, meaning finals is a flicker.

Of course, the Swans will have a say about whether Franklin continues for a 20th season on a list.

He’s played 12 games and could play 17 for the home and away season. It’s not a bad return.

And if the Swans see him as a valuable aid in the development of Logan McDonald — is he ready to grab the key forward spot? — and Joel Amartey — who is not yet ready to fulfil the No. 2 key forward role – then another season is not beyond him.

Could Buddy play for another year? Picture: Getty Images

Certainly, Franklin would like to play again if the moons align which really means if the Swans can see a positive alignment.

But they have to assess whether a good run at it through the latter stages of this season should lead to a new contract, another pre-season and carefully managed program to get a possible 15 games out of him.

While Franklin remains hopeful, the Swans might not see it as a great reward.

A pay cut might help his cause. Maybe down to $300,00?

The Franklin rethink comes on the day Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker signed a one-year contract extension.

Taylor’s contract was a no-brainer. He’s kicked 54 goals from 17 games.

“At the start of the year I genuinely thought this was going to be my last year but getting into the season has certainly told me I want to play another year and they’re keen to have me,” 33-year-old Walker told Triple M in Adelaide.

“Keep performing and keep trying to help these young kids and hopefully I can leave the club in a better spot, that’s playing finals.”

The other key forward veteran is Jack Riewoldt. He is 35 in October and has been playing under injury duress for several weeks. His kicking for goal has also partly abandoned him.

It’s likely he will retire, although if Tom Lynch struggles to reclaim the No. 1 spot because of his foot injury in 2024, then Riewoldt might be valuable for one more season.