Lance Franklin is going around again with the Swans.
Just days after qualifying for the grand final, Sydney fans have received another massive boost with news the superstar key forward has put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension.
Buddy is coming to the end of his nine-year, $10 million contract with Sydney and has been the subject of significant speculation regarding his future.
It was reported earlier in the season that the 35-year-old was considering continuing his career elsewhere after the Swans' one-year offer fell short of his expectations.
Franklin released a statement to announce contract talks would be put on the backburner as he chases an as-yet elusive premiership with Sydney.
The parties quietly came to an agreement and, in an homage to Michael Jordan's iconic press release, the Swans confirmed a one-year deal for Franklin.
"One more."#Bloods pic.twitter.com/tK5K6AZIvb
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) September 19, 2022
Arguably one of the game's greatest ever players, Franklin continues to rise up the all-time career goals list, having booted his 1000th goal in round two, sparking jubilant scenes at the SCG.
The opponent on that occasion was Geelong and Franklin and his teammates will again line up against the Cats on Saturday, this time with the 2022 AFL premiership on the line.
It will be Franklin's third grand final in red and white, although he'll be hoping for a different result this time around, having gone down in 2014 and 2016.
Many had suggested if the Swans were to win on Saturday, Franklin may opt to retire.
Instead, he'll push on to an 18th season in the AFL.
Since being taken with the fifth pick in 2004 Draft, Franklin has played 340 games, kicking 1047 goals to leave him fifth on the all-time list, 10 behind Doug Wade in fourth.
Among his achievements are two premierships with the Hawks, eight All-Australian selections, four Coleman Medals and a club best and fairest (2008).
He's also led his clubs' goalkicking on 12 occasions and looks set to add another to his collection in 2022, with 52 goals to his name so far.
Sydney's bold decision to sign Franklin to such a long-term deal has already been justified but a flag on Saturday would be the cherry on top.
