Lance Franklin has always been capable of scoring big bags of goals, even during the defence-focused Clarko's Cluster era of zonal defence shutting down fast scoring. He is definitely in the twilight of his career at the age of 34, but six goals in a win over Fremantle brought back memories of golden years past, his second bag of five or more for the year. Under no circumstances should you touch him in salary cap competitions, but he's very much in the conversation for a spot start in draft leagues against a poor opponent, and his ceiling is big for daily fantasy usage.
Lance Franklin has always been capable of scoring big bags of goals, even during the defence-focused Clarko's Cluster era of zonal defence shutting down fast scoring. He is definitely in the twilight of his career at the age of 34, but six goals in a win over Fremantle brought back memories of golden years past, his second bag of five or more for the year. Under no circumstances should you touch him in salary cap competitions, but he's very much in the conversation for a spot start in draft leagues against a poor opponent, and his ceiling is big for daily fantasy usage.
Franklin's output contracts
Groin surgery limited Lance Franklin's 2019 preseason and lack of match fitness showed - after just five matches his hamstring went snap. It was the lowest games tally in his 15-year career, and the worst goalkicking and statistical averages since - hold onto your hats - 2006. Buddy's progress hit a wall after undergoing knee surgery around Christmas. We know his best is herculean, but the reality is that injuries have ravaged his last 2 years, playing only 64% of games. The goalkicking superstar will be reached for on name value alone but as the numbers and volatile injury record suggests, he shouldn't be drafted as anything other than a mid-table selection.
Lance Franklin will suit up today for his 300th game, belatedly, after battling injury through the second half of the year. The Swans have nothing to play for but Buddy, and the Saints have even less on the table for this dead rubber, so there is every chance this will turn into the Budwood Show, as with Jarryd Roughead's swansong last week. Fantasy coaches in daily leagues will wonder if it's worth taking a punt that Franklin will have a day out, though his price will scare many away. Can the Budwah kick a huge bag? Head says no, heart says... maybe?
Lance Franklin still has a few years left of his monster contract at Sydney, and in recent times speculation has mounted that the club might be looking to offload it and him.
Buddy the heel
A heel injury sustained in round 1 dogged Lance Franklin all though last season, and while he could hardly train he still laced up the boots for the bulk of matches. The ex-Hawk didn’t let this slow him down, finishing fourth in the Coleman and delivering his seventh 90+ season from the past nine, placing third for marks inside 50, and handballing as little as possible. He had off-season groin surgery and didn’t train before Christmas. Only a very brave coach would write off Franklin in 2019, given his established ability and reputation. The 2018 All-Australian captain will continue to be Sydney’s main forward target to keep earning the millions of dollars of his never-ending contract and, while he should be drafted in the earlier rounds, he slides behind Isaac Heeney as the most desirable Sydney fantasy forward.
Lance Franklin was revealed recently to have been carrying a heel injury from round 1 this year which has severely restricted his ability to train. He has also been carrying the Sydney forward line for much of the year with big injuries to key talls around him. Both problems show no signs of easing up, though this evening he goes up against the Collingwood defence which is even more banged up than the Swans attack. His battle with Darcy Moore will go a long way to deciding the game, and his fantasy owners - about 25% in salary cap comps - will hope he fills up.
Sweet taste of Buddy
When he’s on song, Lance Franklin is worth every penny of that extraordinary contract that landed him at the Swans in 2014. You know exactly what you’re going to get with Buddy, which is a top quality attacker good for a Coleman-level goal tally, sprinkled with a little inconsistency, but served with a side of unbelievable potential to rip open any match. He can win real and fantasy matches off his own boot. Since Franklin made the move to the red and white, he’s averaged around the 63 goals per year mark, and he doesn’t look like slowing down this year. You’d much rather have him on your team than your opponents for his match-winning abilities, so look to get him in early, especially as many premium mid/forwards have lost forward eligibility. Consistency isn’t something to worry about either, playing every game in last year’s season.
Franklin looking ploddy
A popular fantasy choice at the start of the season, Lance "Buddy" Franklin has haemorrhaged cash in both Dream Team and Super Coach.
One Dream Team score over 100 is not the output required of a premium DT player; meanwhile his Super Coach form has been patchy at best and two sub 30 scores in SC in the past three games have set alarm bells ringing.
For most of the season, Franklin has looked like an opportunist starved of opportunities, rather than a dominant power forward, and it is quickly reaching the stage where people are entitled to ask whether 2008 was a breakout year or an aberration.
If 2008 truly was a breakout year and Buddy has simply been a victim of Hawthorn’s slow start, you will never pick him up cheaper than he is right now.
However, if his current form continues then we may rename him Lance “Spuddy†Franklin.
