Ranking of all 17 teams based on their matches for Lance Franklin in 2023

Lance Franklin wouldn’t be leaving Sydney, to be honest.

Speculating about where he might end up is a waste of time, but if you can’t have fun with Franklin’s sudden trading speculation, then what can you have fun with?

Franklin has played 14 games this season and has scored 34 goals for the Swans, showing he still has the ability to get through a year and make an impact on the scoreboard.

We’ve ranked the 17 clubs based on how suitable they are for Franklin in 2023 and beyond.

The question we ask each team is quite simple – does this team need a 35-year-old key forward? Can they buy it? Are they close to competing? Are they going to splash money on him?

This is what we get (in reverse order):

17. North Melbourne

Roos doesn’t need a 35-year-old key attacker.

16. West Coast

Neither does the eagle. They will have one of their own in a few weeks.

15. Geelong

Cats already have their giant forward lock pair.

14. Carlton

Like above. Also the salary limit.

13. Adelaide

The Crows are at the start of their rebuild, already have a veteran key forward, and need to put the game into Riley Thilthorpe.

12. Hawthorn

Reunion in the Hawks for Franklin? It doesn’t seem reasonable given where they are in their cycle. Would be a good story, though.

11. Essendon

The Bombers have the player of the year in the developing Peter Wright and Harry Jones, but adding a marquee name like Franklin would be huge for the club’s brand and potentially help them return to the final in 2023.

10. Richmond

If Jack Riewoldt retires, then sure, maybe, and the Tigers are in their premiership window, but this still doesn’t seem like a good fit.

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9. Western Bulldog

If Josh Bruce can’t get back to his best, Dogs could use support for Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (and the perfect mentor for Jamarra). However, the Dog’s pay limit should lead to the other end.

8. Adelaide Harbor

The Power could really benefit from having another key attacking option and if they are going all-in the next few seasons under Ken Hinkley could they consider playing?

7. St Kilda

St Kilda have their generation key forward in Max King, but have room for a secondary key forward target. King and Buddy are among the most targeted players in the top 50 in the competition and together can cause some headaches for the opposing back line.

6. Brisbane

If the Lions lose Dan McStay, there will be a chance for their 50 forwards. Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood and Lance Franklin may be an exaggeration, but could this move help Brisbane win another game or two in September?

5. Giant GWS

The giants haven’t really had much of a front line since Jeremy Cameron left. Buddy’s in the states. Could that prophecy finally be fulfilled?

4. Wood Colling

Collingwood is looking for a key forward and will reportedly spend $3 million over five years on Dan McStay… so why not Buddy? It felt like a tent move the Magpies would try.

3. Golden Beach

What is the name of the perfect tent for the Suns to carry into their four walls for a year or two. Franklin will bring a lot of people to the game and will definitely fit in with Ben King and Mabior Chol as the Gold Coast hopes to climb the ladder.

2. Fremantle

Fremantle was almost the perfect landing place for Franklin. Buddy’s return to Perth will be one of the greatest returns in Footy history. The Dockers need a key forward, especially if Rory Lobb is gone, and they’re right at their premiership window.

1. Melbourne

Melbourne needs a cutting edge in the 50s. They are right at the peak of their power where buying a year or two of Buddy could produce a flag.

Dees is definitely at the top of this list.

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