Was privileged to watch the careers of McKenna, Hudson and Wade - all of whom would eat current day forwards for a snack.As good as Lance is, he’s just not what Tony Lockett was.
Locket superior when the ball is higher; Lockett more powerful (Franklin is no slouch) and Lockett are superior set shot.
If anything I think it might be fair to suggest Franklin plays more like Ablett Snr would play or could play. Malcolm Blight the same, that wandering out and flank play. If I can put it that way.
But Franklin is exciting like an Ablett but in my view not the superior.
For full forward Lockett, Hudson, Dunstall, McKenna have him covered in my view. And Franklin is a champion so no slight.
Also today’s style of play favours Franklin in my view as he can roam, because as a stay at home full forward he’d not be as strong high up, arms up.
But we are comparing the best few aren’t we.
Much and all as I loved McKenna Hudson was the greatest full forward then and now - he could do it all - in the air and on the ground including one trait exceedingly rare in power full forwards . . . he would give it off to a team mate in a certain scoring position.
Never having seen either Gordon Coventry or Toddy I can't comment but dad watched them play and was glowing in his praise along with his Collingwood supporter friends.