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Karl Langdon: Brisbane Lions should avoid Buddy-go-round and back forwards Eric Hipwood and Joe Daniher

Karl LangdonThe West Australian
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Lance franklin could be on the move to Brisbane but Karl langdon wants the Lions to back in their current stars.
Camera IconLance franklin could be on the move to Brisbane but Karl langdon wants the Lions to back in their current stars. Credit: Supplied

Where - if anywhere - will Lance Franklin be playing footy next year?

There seemed to be a new report every day this week regarding the legendary spearhead and his playing future.

There are unconfirmed reports that Franklin has asked to be traded to the Lions at the end of the season.

There is also an unconfirmed report of a two-year offer on the table from Brisbane, but Chris Fagan reckons a move north may mean it’s “to retire to be closer to family, as (he) has not spoken to Lance about coming to the club”.

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Finally, on Saturday, Franklin indicated in a statement that he was undecided about “whether I continue to play next year” as he puts contract talks on hold.

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Surely Brisbane have lost the plot it they are entertaining a deal - though they do have history.

The Lions were happy to sign Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall after they were sent packing by the Hawks with inferior offers.

Both played for two seasons and finished their careers at Brisbane and it’s likely Franklin will do exactly the same.

The timing could not be worse for Brisbane after last week’s loss to Richmond. What message does it send to their key big men, who were pretty good against the Tigers?

Eric Hipwood played his best game since a long lay-off with injury, having seven shots at goal for a return of 4.3, while Joe Daniher booted three straight.

The other big question should a Buddy switch happen is: Can Daniher, Hipwood and Franklin all play in the same team? They are 203cm, 201cm and 199cm tall respectively.

Franklin cannot just walk from Sydney as he is a restricted free agent. Restricted free agents are players who are in the top 25 per cent of their club’s earners and come out of contract after their eighth or ninth season at the club.

Lance Franklin could make a move to Brisbane but the star is unsure if he will play at all next year.
Camera IconLance Franklin could make a move to Brisbane but the star is unsure if he will play at all next year. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

A restricted free agent can sign an offer sheet with any team, but the player’s original team can retain him by matching the terms of that offer. The original team is said to have the right of first refusal.

If Brisbane have offered a sizeable two-year deal, then my advice to Sydney is trade him. Do a deal for Hipwood, who is only 24 and has the best years ahead of him.

It amazes me that Brisbane are even entertaining the idea of Franklin going there. Surely they see the value of Hipwood and Daniher, although Daniel McStay being rumoured to be on the outer over contract negotiations may be the reason they want a ready-made player like Franklin to come in.

That being the case, Fagan must think that the premiership window is firmly open now. Players such as Daniel Rich, Dane Zorko, Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron, Lincoln McCarthy, Jarryd Lyons, Marcus Adams, Darcy Fort, Oscar McInerney and Mitch Robinson - if he gets another one-year contract - will all be 29 years of age or older.

Adding Franklin could be one last desperate attempt to get that elusive premiership before this group of players tips over the edge.

The clock is ticking for Brisbane, and the AFL world is watching. They’ll be watching even closer if one of the game’s all-time greatest is wearing maroon next year.

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