CONTRACT HIT: Big bids are tipped to roll in for Hawthorn star Lance Franklin this season. Source: Herald Sun
THE "Bid for Buddy" show kicks off at Metricon Stadium tonight.
For the next eight months our football stadiums will resemble a sales ring as Lance Franklin, the top thoroughbred in the game, is paraded around for interested buyers.
And who wouldn't be interested?
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson might not like it, and Franklin's teammates might find it a distraction, but no one can argue his right to postpone contract negotiations until the end of the season.
Just like the draft inevitably led to coaches not wanting to win, free agency has resulted in players not wanting to sign.
Newton's third law covers footy too, and for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Franklin's decision should not be seen as a sign he wants out. He is only a restricted free agent, which means the Hawks get the final bid anyway.
It is just allows him to test his value on the market.
Although free agency has the potential to make some of the biggest names in the game ridiculously rich, its introduction was not supported by the AFL Players Association's members purely to line the pockets of guys who are already rolling in it.
It was to loosen the grip of an AFL system that is basically oppressive.
Footballers are well paid and treated, but the reality is they have very little control over their own destiny.
The draft robs young players of the freedom to play for their hometown club, or the one they barracked for as a kid. The difficulties of trade week make it is hard to change once you are in the system.
Unless you are not wanted.
There will be a galaxy of stars on the market during this year's free agency period and it is not only the players who might benefit.
Clubs can now fill a crucial hole that could be the difference between success and failure.
The Hawks are nervous because skipper Luke Hodge and his predecessor Sam Mitchell also qualify, while West Coast's list includes ruckman Dean Cox, captain Darren Glass, forward Mark LeCras and vice-captain Beau Waters.
Brownlow medallist Jobe Watson, Sydney's premiership captain Adam Goodes, Magpie Dale Thomas, Roo Daniel Wells and Western Bulldog Adam Cooney are others.
All have paid their dues to their clubs. All deserve the right to play out their careers wherever they see fit.
Jonathan Brown is a classic example.
One of the biggest names in the game puts his body on the line week after week for one of the smallest audiences.
Brisbane would need to make rapid improvement for him to again grace the MCG in September.
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