Seriously -Has the time come for Sydney to drop Buddy Franklin?

[McOrist]

5 games for 7 goals this season. Looks slow and can't bend down to collect ground balls. Can Sydney continue to carry him?

 

[GROTTO]

With Amartey injured, Buddy has a role to play.

But in 2023, he is a liability to the Swans when they are at full strength.

 

[BigPond101]

He's still good enough to be out there it's just they kick to him everytime even if he's double teamed and there is another open Swan in forward 50. Happened a bunch of times in today's game. They need to have some come to jesus team meeting where they all dmit their problem and commit to not being so buddy focussed. If he was just playing like regular player he's in the best 22

 

[Milux]

He is done at this level. Wish I could feel sorry for him. But he has had one hell of a football life.

 

[M Malice]

Prediction - One season too many - 2022/23 Edition

 

[Ginnieboy]

He’s done alright for himself, reckon this is his last season though, time to look ahead.

 

[_Mike_]

Probably could have retired last year. Nonetheless one of the greatest forwards to have played the game in modern times

 

[L_W_P]

Should have 100% taken the rumored pension top up from the Lions.

 

[Kram]

Honestly thought it would likely be a bad move to play on.

 

[Zevon]

I thought the signs were well and truly there last year that the time had come, so as much as I love Bud I winced when I heard he was going round for another year.

 

[Maddo11]

Might just quit the game anyway if he keeps getting booed at every away game for "no reason"

 

[The King!]

He has been ordinary, but shown some glimpses

But if he is dropped for form, some team mates are in trouble

 

[Dazb86]

Might just quit the game anyway if he keeps getting booed at every away game for "no reason"

Does this happen?

 

[Zevon]

Does this happen?

Happened today

 

[Maddo11]

Does this happen?

More noticeable in the southern states, but yep, every time he touches the ball

 

[wills2g]

Still our best fwd which is a problem

 

[VinnieB]

More noticeable in the southern states, but yep, every time he touches the ball

Yeah happens to Ginnivan (remember Swannies last season when he went off injured?), JHF etc etc.

 

[Brett C]

Might just quit the game anyway if he keeps getting booed at every away game for "no reason"

Maybe he can dry those tears with the millions he’s made.

The whole crying about booing just encourages supporters to do it.

 

[Kennedy Parker]

Can't carry like he used to, but all of our forwards struggle. Our delivery inside 50 is rubbish.

 

[MisterMarcus]

Aside from Reid who is semi-permanently injured, all of the Swans' other KPF options are relatively young and inexperienced.

Even if he's not as his best anymore, Buddy still commands a good defender and makes the opposition worry about him. If that takes some pressure and focus off their developing young talls, I reckon Sydney would be happy with that.

 

[My Tilly]

He is done at this level. Wish I could feel sorry for him. But he has had one hell of a football life.

Doesn't look in tip top shape to me. Noticeable gut on him now. Always had it but some of the vision form today's game was unflattering.

Compare footballers who are now in their mid 30's and they still look in peak physical shape. Pendlebury, Boak, Riewoldt, Smith.
Franklin could always get away with it due to his natural brilliance but not anymore.

 

[Gaben]

More noticeable in the southern states, but yep, every time he touches the ball

I think he gets booed every time he elbows an opposition player in the head. It's about the same rate as him touching the ball so it's hard to tell.

 

[MF]

He's still good enough to be out there it's just they kick to him everytime even if he's double teamed and there is another open Swan in forward 50. Happened a bunch of times in today's game. They need to have some come to jesus team meeting where they all dmit their problem and commit to not being so buddy focussed. If he was just playing like regular player he's in the best 22

This.

Still best 22 but the rest of the side have to stop bombing the ball on his head so much and utilise Heeney more.

 

[demondavey]

Probably could have retired last year. Nonetheless one of the greatest forwards to have played the game in modern times

The greatest

 

[demondavey]

Yeah happens to Ginnivan (remember Swannies last season when he went off injured?), JHF etc etc.

Happens to Ginnivan because he ducks…