Buddy Franklin bombshell development rocks Sydney Swans

AFL superstar Lance Franklin has reportedly dropped a bomb on the Sydney Swans with an extraordinary twist to his future.

Sydney's Lance Franklin. Photo: Phil Hillyard.

Superstar Lance Franklin is reportedly threatening to leave the Swans in a bombshell development in his contract negotiations.

The Herald Sun first reported Franklin will quit the Swans and look to join a third AFL club unless the Swans upgrade their current offer.

Franklin’s famous nine-year, $10 million deal expires at the end of this season.

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The report claims the club is “lowballing” Franklin with the offer that has been tabled.

The 35-year-old’s wife Jesinta said in May she could see her family, including two-year-old daughter Tallulah and one-year-old son Rocky, moving interstate to be closer to family in future years.

Despite Franklin’s strong form this season where he has kicked 34 goals in 14 games, The Herald Sun reports he would even consider retirement should the Swans not improve the offer. It would cut his career at 17-seasons in the AFL.

Lance Franklin is still scoring goals for fun. Photo by Brett Hemmings/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

It is reported Franklin is demanding a deal worth at least $700,000 as part of a one-year extension package.

According to reports, the Swans have put together an offer of around $500,000 — less than half his wages for the 2022 season.

It is a dramatic backflip after it was reported just four weeks ago that Franklin was set to agree to terms on a one-year extension, despite interest from at least one rival club, which is reported to have prepared a two-year offer.

Franklin and his management have had an open dialogue with Swans chief executive Tom Harley, who said recently he hoped “Buddy” would play again next year.

Franklin’s future has become increasingly uncertain in recent weeks following ongoing reports the Swans are looking at life beyond Franklin with the club linked to Richmond superstar Dustin Martin.

The four-time All-Australian has long been linked to a move to Sydney.

With Martin reportedly commanding a salary of around $1.3 million for next year it has been speculated the Swans would have to move Franklin on in order to bring the four-time All Australian to Sydney.

Jesinta’s career-change has big twist on Franklin’s future

Jesinta Franklin is about to become an accredited player agent with the AFL.

It was revealed last week the 30-year-old fashion and lifestyle influencer has completed the AFL Players’ Association’s accreditation course in an application for official AFLPA registration.

The former Miss Universe Australia turned businesswoman would be able to represent her husband in ongoing contract negotiations if her papers are rubber stamped.

Sydney's Lance Franklin kicks a bomb. Photo: Phil Hillyard.

She appears to have already learned the game of gaining leverage in a negotiation.

“I think there’s still a lot of good football left in him, but it’s our dream, whether that’s in five years or 10 years or whenever, to be able to live closer to one of the grandparents and have quality time with them,” she said.

Dusty rumours swirl with Swans keeping quiet

Swans boss Harley earlier this month gave a rare appearance on radio where he actually spoke with some detail about his club’s recruitment plans.

After drawing a line through Jordan De Goey, Harley laughed off interest in Martin, saying “I haven’t been asked about Martin in about a month”.

Veteran football reporter Caroline Wilson said last week she felt Harley’s “no” on Martin “wasn’t quite as definitive” as it was for De Goey.

Harley also said he hoped Buddy Franklin would play again next year but Wilson said it would be a drastically reduced offer for the current Swans star.

“I just feel there’s a bit going on behind the scenes. Richmond are trying to keep Liam Baker, they’re looking at (Jacob) Hopper, (Tim) Taranto,” Wilson said.

“I don’t know if it’s the right decision though, I don’t know, I hope I’m wrong but I’m really worried I’m right (about Martin joining the Swans).”

The Tigers star remains under contract at the Tigers, but his reported desire to leave Richmond has sent the football world into meltdown. Tigers coach Damien Hardwick poured fuel on the fire recently by stating he would not step in to stop Martin leaving before his contract expires if it is in the best interest of the three-time Norm Smith medal winner.

Originally published as Buddy Franklin bombshell development rocks Sydney Swans