Sydney Swans coach John Longmire rubbished multiple media reports suggesting Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin could be traded after the superstar forward moved into outright seventh on the all-time VFL/AFL goalkicking list.
“Someone wanted a headline, I mean I don’t think anyone took it seriously, did they?” Longmire quipped after Saturday’s 22-point loss to Richmond.
“It just creates articles and discussion, I’m sure the serious journos wouldn’t have reported it.”
Franklin surpassed Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd (926 career goals) with the third of his four majors against the Tigers
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"We just need to give him a hand, we need to execute better in the front third and we needed other blokes to stand up and kick goals," Longmire said when asked of Franklin’s latest milestone.
"Will Hayward is not in there and he is an important young player for us, and we need others to stand up."
Former St Kilda and Sydney forward Tony Lockett (1360) holds the record for most all-time goals ahead of Gordon Coventry (1299), Jason Dunstall (1254), Doug Wade (1057), Gary Ablett Senior (1031) and Jack Titus (970).
The 32-year-old, who kicked 580 of his 928 goals for Hawthorn, is contracted to the Swans until the end of 2022.
