FRANKLY, HE’S BEEN ENORMOUS
SYDNEY co-captain Luke Parker has hailed Lance Franklin’s enormous impact on the club, in the week the superstar forward confirmed he would play at least one more season.
The mid-week “one more” announcement ended any speculation the 1047-goal legend planned to retire or play elsewhere next year.
His career in red and white since crossing from Hawthorn for the 2014 season includes two Coleman Medals, four AllAustralian selections, six Sydney leading goalkicker awards and 467 goals in 158 games.
But critics argue Franklin’s inability to win a premiership as a Swan means his nineyear megadeal, which was due to expire at season’s end, was a failure despite him playing in two grand finals.
That could all change against Geelong on Saturday, but Parker argues the titan has already proven his worth.
“It’s bloody exciting to have Lance going around another year,” Parker said.
“The moment he’s come to Sydney, we look at our success over that period and you don’t have a premiership, but the number of times we’ve been right up there fighting for one just shows (what) he can bring to a game.
“I’ve had front-row seats for a number of years to see what ‘Bud’ can do out on the field.
“To have him then develop into such a senior figure and now guide this young group through and to get them up to scratch for this next level, and back to where we think we belong, is really exciting.
“He’s taken on a really strong leadership role over the last couple of years and no doubt he will next year ... for him to continue going around, no doubt his body is feeling good and he’s confident within himself.”
That young Swans group Parker references has seven footballers aged 22 or under and another two who are 23, with 14 of the selected 22 in their maiden grand final.
There’s always uncertainty about how players will handle the occasion but coach John Longmire was optimistic.
“That’s the great thing about youth, isn’t it? You just sort of go into it and lap it up and enjoy it and live in the moment,” Longmire said.
“It’s really important to be able to do that. The enthusiasm and excitement those younger blokes bring to our team has been critical, on and off the field, so we really feed off that.”