- Banned
- #1
Wayne Carey turned 30 early in his final season with North Melbourne. And that was basically his last season as an elite player. He sat out the 2002 season and then went to Adelaide, where he played 28 games over two season for a return of 56 goals.
Lance Franklin is now basically the same age as Carey was in that final season at North Melbourne, which was, as outlined, basically the final act in his career as a top-liner. Yet Franklin remains the No.1 forward in the league and could plausibly play another three seasons, let's say, at his current level.
With this in mind, is it now reasonable to ask whether Franklin will eclipse Carey as the No.1 key forward of the modern era? Or has he already gone past him?
In making the comparison, it's interesting to consider how these two players have shaped the role of the modern key forward. Franklin has basically elevated that hard-running CHF/FF hybrid position that Carey minted in the mid-90s with "Pagan's paddock", and which was further entrenched and innovated via Nick Riewoldt, who was probably the best repeat middle-distance runner we've seen play as a key forward. The role demands supreme athleticism and running power to present up the ground to the wing, while also being able to surge back toward goal to present a target inside forward 50. Sometimes people say there's no such thing as a "pure CHF" or a "pure FF" any more. Or that, at the very least, the role is disappearing. But I actually think it's more accurate to suggest the role has changed, with a greater emphasis on mobility and mileage. The best key forwards still play those roles – they just cover more ground now because they're superior athletes.
Anyway, that's more of a side point. But it's one I've reflected on in light of Riewoldt's retirement. In terms of his standing in the game, he's basically the missing link in the evolution from Carey to Franklin.
In the comparison between Carey and Franklin, it's fair to point out that Carey holds the edge in contested marking, long considered the hallmark of a great CHF. But on the flipside, Franklin's athleticism is unmatched and he is the more potent goal-kicker. Carey averaged 2.7 goals per game, while Franklin is currently going at 3.2 goals per game – despite playing in an era when key forwards kick fewer goals.
Assuming Franklin tops 60 goals in 2017, it will be the 10th season he's reached that mark. Carey, by comparison, topped 60 goals seven times over the course of his career. Now, people may point out that Franklin has spent more of his career closer to goal – but I'd argue that is partly a function of his superior athleticism. He certainly spends his fair share of time up the ground as well. The fact he's able to get up and back so effectively is part of what makes the case for him surpassing Carey.
And I think the last point in Franklin's favour, referenced in the opening paragraphs, is his longevity. At Franklin's age, Carey was basically finished. But Franklin could well produce another three seasons of his current standard. If we're sitting here in 2020 and 33-year-old Franklin is still one of the absolute top-liners, having played 300+ games for 1000+ goals, I think it'll be almost impossible to dispute his status as top dog. He might even be there already.
Lance Franklin is now basically the same age as Carey was in that final season at North Melbourne, which was, as outlined, basically the final act in his career as a top-liner. Yet Franklin remains the No.1 forward in the league and could plausibly play another three seasons, let's say, at his current level.
With this in mind, is it now reasonable to ask whether Franklin will eclipse Carey as the No.1 key forward of the modern era? Or has he already gone past him?
In making the comparison, it's interesting to consider how these two players have shaped the role of the modern key forward. Franklin has basically elevated that hard-running CHF/FF hybrid position that Carey minted in the mid-90s with "Pagan's paddock", and which was further entrenched and innovated via Nick Riewoldt, who was probably the best repeat middle-distance runner we've seen play as a key forward. The role demands supreme athleticism and running power to present up the ground to the wing, while also being able to surge back toward goal to present a target inside forward 50. Sometimes people say there's no such thing as a "pure CHF" or a "pure FF" any more. Or that, at the very least, the role is disappearing. But I actually think it's more accurate to suggest the role has changed, with a greater emphasis on mobility and mileage. The best key forwards still play those roles – they just cover more ground now because they're superior athletes.
Anyway, that's more of a side point. But it's one I've reflected on in light of Riewoldt's retirement. In terms of his standing in the game, he's basically the missing link in the evolution from Carey to Franklin.
In the comparison between Carey and Franklin, it's fair to point out that Carey holds the edge in contested marking, long considered the hallmark of a great CHF. But on the flipside, Franklin's athleticism is unmatched and he is the more potent goal-kicker. Carey averaged 2.7 goals per game, while Franklin is currently going at 3.2 goals per game – despite playing in an era when key forwards kick fewer goals.
Assuming Franklin tops 60 goals in 2017, it will be the 10th season he's reached that mark. Carey, by comparison, topped 60 goals seven times over the course of his career. Now, people may point out that Franklin has spent more of his career closer to goal – but I'd argue that is partly a function of his superior athleticism. He certainly spends his fair share of time up the ground as well. The fact he's able to get up and back so effectively is part of what makes the case for him surpassing Carey.
And I think the last point in Franklin's favour, referenced in the opening paragraphs, is his longevity. At Franklin's age, Carey was basically finished. But Franklin could well produce another three seasons of his current standard. If we're sitting here in 2020 and 33-year-old Franklin is still one of the absolute top-liners, having played 300+ games for 1000+ goals, I think it'll be almost impossible to dispute his status as top dog. He might even be there already.
