The Sydney Swans pulled off a major recruiting coup in October this year, securing the services of dual-Coleman medallist and premiership player, Lance Franklin.

Franklin arrived at the Swans as a restricted free agent, after a successful nine-years with Hawthorn, where he played in two premiership sides and earned four All-Australian selections.

‘Buddy’ was officially unveiled as a Sydney Swans player on October 9, in front of arguably the biggest media turnout the club has ever hosted for a player signing.

Franklin, whose services were in high demand, told the large media contingent that immediate success was what lured him to the Swans.

"At the end of the day, I wanted to come to a club that was going to hopefully win more premierships,” he said.

"I want success pretty much straight away, so that's the reason why I chose Sydney."

The 26-year-old, who has kicked 580 career goals, signed on at the Swans for nine years and is expected to add firepower to the club’s forward line in 2014 and beyond.

He is the only current AFL player to have kicked more than 100 goals in a season, which he achieved in 2008 with 113 goals, and has booted 60 goals or more in his last seven seasons.

Swans coach John Longmire said adding a player of Franklin’s calibre to the Swans’ list would enable more flexibility in club’s forward structure.

"There's no doubt that the level of talent that Lance has got coming into the team gives us the opportunity to be really versatile,” Longmire told the media.

"Obviously Lance has got a true track record in kicking goals. He's kicked 600-odd goals.

"So to be able to play him in our front half, whether it's here at the SCG or at ANZ Stadium, it's going to be exciting for all the players that play alongside him."

Franklin will begin his pre-season program early, and will train alongside the club’s first-to-third-year players, before taking a short break and returning for full pre-season training early in December.

What they said

“I just love the ‘Bloods culture’ as it’s known. They’re just a great club, they never give in, they never say die,” Buddy Franklin upon his arrival (09/10/13)

"We're very, very confident that it's a fair contract for Lance and, if he plays the way we think he will, it'll be a really good contract for the Sydney Swans,” Swans CEO Andrew Ireland on Franklin’s nine-year deal.

“We feel as though Lance is a unique athlete. He’s an incredible athlete who has played some amazing football and he’s 26 years of age. We think he’s got a lot of good football ahead of him and can play some really good football for a long time,” John Longmire on Franklin’s long term recruitment (09/10/13)

Coverage

Buddy calls Sydney home

Lance Franklin Sydney Swans unveiling

Success the lure for Franklin

Long-term Lance

Fishbowl no reason for move

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