Sydney star Lance Franklin is close to agreeing a new contract at the Swans that will ensure his AFL career continues in 2023.
The 35-year-old's nine-year, $10 million contract that he signed to move from Hawthorn to Sydney as a free agent in 2013 is due to expire at the end of the season.
However, Franklin has still showed he can compete at the highest level in 2022 - kicking 29 goals in 11 games - with the Swans close to confirming a new one-year deal with the gun forward, according to Fox Sports.
Franklin is yet to finish a game goalless this season, with his best performances coming with a haul of six against Brisbane in round seven, while two weeks ago he kicked five to help the Swans over the line versus Richmond.
However, Footy Classfied's Matthew Lloyd believes Franklin's form is inconsistent and that consideration should continue into the key forward's future in the Harbour City.
Lloyd feels a tall forward line featuring Franklin, Logan McDonald and Sam Reid will struggle to function effectively, and that Buddy will likely see his career extended only because of Reid's veteran status.
"How many times has three tall forwards worked in a side?" Lloyd said.
"Buddy Franklin is an elephant in the room here with how (coach) John Longmire handles him for just this year, but going into next year. Does John Longmire want him moving forward?
"If Reid was 26, I'd say no (to re-signing Franklin), but I think Reid might go and you give Franklin one more year to respect the champ.
"I am really worried. He's having more down games than I've ever seen before."
Franklin has kicked an extraordinary 1024 goals in his career, bringing up the 1000 milestone against Geelong in round two at the SCG.
The veteran currently sits at fifth on the all-time AFL goalkicking table, but could possibly reach Doug Wade (1057) before his career is finished.
The seventh-placed Swans face a crucial eight-point match against eighth-placed St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night, with a loss to either team making their mission to qualify for finals more difficult.
