Lance Franklin to become a Swan

[On-Baller]

Hawks have released statement that they will not match offer, for better or for worse Buddy is now a swan. Cant wait to see him in the red and white.

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2013-10-08/a-letter-from-ceo-stuart-fox-regarding-lance-franklin

[dimelb]

My Irish mate, car salesman Bendan O'Dometer, reckons the future is looking good, and that it's not cheating, it's perspicacity plus the luck of the Irish.

[Jeffers1984]

WOOOHOOO!!!!

[DLBIA14]

It's slowly starting to sink in but it will take a while to adjust to Buddy being in red and white. Good on the club for dreaming big, chasing premierships and trying to grow this club beyond its established niche. Despite the chorus of Victorian critics, I'm proud of our vision and success in the last 20 years. Good job all round.

[Go Swannies]

I have long worried about how the club would go after Adam left. I need not have worried - we have had a great past decade (two Premierships!) and we can look forward to an even brighter next decade.

Buddy is a Swan!

[DamY]

It's been pretty disappointing how the AFL and the football world has treated the Swans for having outstanding, forward-thinking and ambitious management and a powerful brand. To some extent it has made me enjoy the game less, like the death of a peice of innocence or at least the right to go about your own business without scorn. To read reactive and uneducated comments by the football public and media about this is a class-A example of media manipulation shaping the opinions of the masses. This happens on a larger scale in society and the world - where people who know real facts instead of propoganda are the ones who are called names and made outcasts. Yes, that is the brilliant strategy. Name-calling. It doesn't matter if some people know the real facts, because the media controls who this is broadcast to. And for every one person who knows the facts, there are 1 million sheeple who are brainwashed, so it doesn't matter.

To hear people say things like they've lost respect for the Swans; or that the Swans are 'buying flags', or that the Swans are professional cheaters - all because the Swans are the best of the best at what they do - is very frustrating for Swans fans. To have the media peddle lies and strategically assasinate the incredible and hard-fought brand of the Swans simply because the Swans went against the masterplan is very frustrating, but it is exactly what goes on elsewhere on a grander scale. Baseless opinions broadcast over and over and over again until people believe it. Unfortunately the masses will believe what they are told, and anyone who knows the true facts are either ignored or branded cheats or one-eyed fans.

I'd like say that I look forward to redemption in several upcoming Septembers, but I get the feeling that the groundwork is being laid for the mass derogation of any future Swans success.

Still, I know that we will land several very well-deserved flags over the coming years.

- - - Updated - - -

It's been pretty disappointing how the AFL and the football world has treated the Swans for having outstanding, forward-thinking and ambitious management and a powerful brand. To some extent it has made me enjoy the game less, like the death of a peice of innocence or at least the right to go about your own business without scorn. To read reactive and uneducated comments by the football public and media about this is a class-A example of media manipulation shaping the opinions of the masses. This happens on a larger scale in society and the world - where people who know real facts instead of propoganda are the ones who are called names and made outcasts. Yes, that is the brilliant strategy. Name-calling. It doesn't matter if some people know the real facts, because the media controls who this is broadcast to. And for every one person who knows the facts, there are 1 million sheeple who are brainwashed, so it doesn't matter.

To hear people say things like they've lost respect for the Swans; or that the Swans are 'buying flags', or that the Swans are professional cheaters - all because the Swans are the best of the best at what they do - is very frustrating for Swans fans. To have the media peddle lies and strategically assasinate the incredible and hard-fought brand of the Swans simply because the Swans went against the masterplan is very frustrating, but it is exactly what goes on elsewhere on a grander scale. Baseless opinions broadcast over and over and over again until people believe it. Unfortunately the masses will believe what they are told, and anyone who knows the true facts are either ignored or branded cheats or one-eyed fans.

I'd like say that I look forward to redemption in several upcoming Septembers, but I get the feeling that the groundwork is being laid for the mass derogation of any future Swans success.

Still, I know that we will land several very well-deserved flags over the coming years.

This is how I also feel about the Daily Telegraph to be honest. They take the general feeling of the public and turn and twist it around to suit the zeitgeist and to fan the flames of unhappiness. It has been quite confronting the reaction from the clubs and supporters, their jealousy has blinded them.

[dimelb]

This is how I also feel about the Daily Telegraph to be honest. They take the general feeling of the public and turn and twist it around to suit the zeitgeist and to fan the flames of unhappiness. It has been quite confronting the reaction from the clubs and supporters, their jealousy has blinded them.

Well put, and par for the course by one of Rupert's rags - what else can we expect?

[Jeffers1984]

Sydney Swans welcome Lance Franklin - sydneyswans.com.au

[DamY]

Well put, and par for the course by one of Rupert's rags - what else can we expect?

It takes a critical mind to question what we're fed in general, and especially the media. I'm so glad Gina is selling down her shares in Fairfax or we'd have 2 right-leaning newspapers. So scary!

[ShockOfHair]

The deal's done.

The world has changed. We're now officially a powerhouse and Melbourne clubs are terrified of us.

We can say goodbye to COLA, at least 9.8% strength variety, but take comfort that players want to play with us and with Buddy we have a fabulous marketing tool.

[On-Baller]

Interestingly after conjecture on here that Goodes and others would have known about Franklin potentially coming many months ago Andrew Ireland on 3aw just now has said that the only player asked about it was Mcveigh mid season (Buddy apparently was informed that only one player would be asked due to them wanting to keep it quiet). Furthermore if he would of said he didnt think it was a good deal that would of been the end of it.

[Scottee]

It's a very simple equation. If the CoLA is such an unfair advantage why did we need to offer a NINE YEAR DEAL to secure him!

[DK_]

I have to say, I've been impressed with the way Hawthorn have handled themselves through this. Paid Buddy his rightly earned praise, thanked him for all he has contributed and have been about the only Melbourne club not to bleat, even though they gave the mist to lose and must be concerned about facing a Swans team with Tippett, Goodes and Franklin up front.

They've gone up about 10 rungs in my mind, particularly when compared to how Adelaide behaved when their champion didn't do as they expected. Now that puts them on... Let's see... Carry the one... 10.

[Auntie.Gerald]

given how hardarse Macca can be - the decision must be right !!!

[BillyRayCypress]

I have long worried about how the club would go after Adam left. I need not have worried - we have had a great past decade (two Premierships!) and we can look forward to an even brighter next decade.

Buddy is a Swan!

Well said. That does fix that problem up. Can we trade him now for Pick 2? ...........Sorry, just caught up in all the hype. Damn trade period !!!

Where's the Fat Controller ???? Still sulking somewhere with Matthews no doubt.