SYDNEY today unveiled restricted fee agent Lance Franklin after Hawthorn yesterday announced it would not be matching Sydney’s offer.
The Swans nine-year, $10,000,000 million offer received industry-wide condemnation, with the AFL giving the final tick-of-approval yesterday.
Speaking this morning, Franklin denied that the move was a bid to get out of the Melbourne “fishbowl”, rather, citing “different opportunities” as the reason behind his move.
“Not at all, definitely not,” Franklin said when asked if the fishbowl effect was the reason behind his move.
“At the end of the day it had no impact on my decision to come to Sydney at all.
“I’ve obviously got friends, I’ve got family up here. Sydney are a great football club and I just wanted a different opportunity and a new start and Sydney were able to come to the table and I was lucky enough to come to such a great football club.”
Franklin flies out of the country tomorrow to take part in the International Rules series against Ireland.
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DALE Thomas is now officially a Carlton player after Collingwood refused to match the Blues’ offer for the 26-year-old.
Collingwood recruiting manager, Derek Hine, said that Thomas’ injury concerns and the extent of Carlton’s offer meant that the Pies weren’t in a position to match it.
“On balance, given the injury issues at play and the offer put to him by Carlton, we didn’t think it was appropriate to hold Dale,” Hine said.
“He has been a fine player for Collingwood and a popular person around the club.
“His ankle has obviously caused him some problems over the last year or two but we hope he finds his way back as a player and, in retirement, makes his way back to the Westpac Centre at some stage.”
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GEELONG veteran Joel Corey has today announced his retirement.
The 31-year-old premiership player spoke of his fortune throughout his career.
“Football has provided some great opportunities,” Corey said.
“I have been fortunate to have met outstanding people, from players, coaches, staff and trainers that I am proud to call my friends.
“The club has always put its people first, and … the club is in great shape to continue to be successful. I wish the club, the players and all the people that play a variety of roles behind the scenes all the best in the future years. It has been a privilege to play for the Geelong Football Club and I will always be grateful to all the people that have made the experience so fulfilling.”
Corey joins veterans James Podsiadly, Josh Hunt and Paul Chapman in departing the club this trade period.
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Confirmed 2013 Player Movements
- Shaun Hampson to Richmond from Carlton, in exchange for pick #28
- Eddie Betts to Adelaide from Carlton, restricted free agent
- Colin Sylvia to Fremantle from Melbourne, unrestricted free agent
- Matt White to Port Adelaide from Richmond, restricted free agent
- Shane Mumford to Greater Western Sydney from Sydney, unrestricted free agent
- Lance Franklin to Sydney from Hawthorn, restricted free agent
- Dale Thomas to Carlton from Collingwood, restricted free agent
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