Lance Franklin's bombshell development over his playing contract beyond this season has left his future somewhat uncertain.
Having been offered $500,000 to stay at the Swans beyond 2022, Franklin is wanting between $700,000 and $800,000 to play on next season, threatening retirement or a move to a third club if Sydney do not upgrade their offer.
Lance Franklin's famous nine-year, $10 million deal expires at the end of this season.
Zero Hanger takes a look at five potential landing spots for the Swans superstar if he were to depart the Harbour city.
3. Richmond Tigers
If there is any truth to Dustin Martin's journey north to Sydney, it would seemingly be more feasible in the absence of Franklin, from a salary cap perspective. The Sydney Swans need a marquee player.
Although, it must be noted that Sydney chief executive Tom Harley has emphatically denied that the Swans are stockpiling cash to lure Dustin Martin to the club on SEN.
At Richmond, tall forward Jack Riewoldt has previously accepted a few weeks ago that "at 33, I’ll be 34 at the end of this year, it only takes a poorer month of football to maybe lose a bit of love or maybe the club loses a bit of love in me and my direction changes". His retirement could open the door for Franklin at Tigerland.
The club is still significantly boosted by Tom Lynch and Noah Balta in their key forward stocks.
Further, after stepping down as captain last year, Trent Cotchin's retirement would not be too far away, while Shane Edwards and Kane Lambert could follow and leave the Tigers lighter in experienced heads and salary cap room - to be filled by Franklin.
