John Longmire – Michmutters

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Western Bulldogs interest in James Rowe, Izak Rankine to Adelaide Crows, latest

Western Bulldogs interest in James Rowe, Izak Rankine to Adelaide Crows, latest

The Western Bulldogs are set to be active in this year’s trade period, with another player linked with a Footscray move.

Plus Suns coach Stuart Dew confirms star Izak Rankine has a big decision to make on his future.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

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DOGS TO ‘POUNCE’ ON FATHER-SON CROW

The Western Bulldogs are reportedly “red hot” on luring Adelaide’s James Rowe away from South Australia for 2023 and beyond.

Rowe, whose father Stephen played for the Crows in the 90s, is out of contract at the end of the year after being snapped up with pick 38 in the 2020 AFL draft.

But the lack of new deal has some speculating Rowe won’t be at the club next season.

“James Rowe is probably not going to get a contract at the Crows, that’s the word,” SEN SA’s Andrew Hayes said.

“The word right now is he’s probably not going to get renewed. This is a bloke who has played 16 games this year and averaging 13 disposals which is marked as above average for a small forward.

What’s happened to King’s kicking? | 01:29

“He kicked two goals on the weekend (against North Melbourne) and was a late addition for Wayne Milera.”

It’s reported the Dogs were initially interested in Rowe back at the 2020 Draft, but due to Adelaide’s bid on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, they had to cough up enough points to match it.

“The Bulldogs are red hot into him. They were into him a couple of years ago, they were going to draft him, hence why the Crows had to nominate Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to get rid of a lot of their (the Bulldogs’) points,” Hayes said.

“They couldn’t accumulate enough points from draft picks to get to James Rowe so he could be on their list.

“Now it looks like the Bulldogs are set to pounce on James Rowe.”

Fellow SEN host Kane Cornes said Rowe “might get a better offer” from an interstate club that what he could expect from the Crows.

“I still think the Crows will offer him a contract, but whether it will be a bargain basement type set up or whether another club sees a different and a larger role for him to play,” he said.

“He might have a decision to make. It might be good for him to go to another club.

“He’ll be playing AFL football next year, I think it will still be at Adelaide but I wouldn’t be surprised if another club makes him feel a bit more loved than Adelaide has made him feel.”

Rowe played 19 games in his debut season and had featured 15 times this year – plus he was an unused medi sub for the clash with Collingwood in Round 18.

The Dogs have been strongly linked to Fremantle big man Rory Lobb this trade period, while there’s also reports of interest in Dockers swing man Griffin Logue.

How Longmire & Swans ‘disarmed’ Feet | 04:27

SUNS COACH ADMITS STAR HAS ‘BIG INCENTIVE’ TO DEPARTMENT

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew has confirmed star Izak Rankine has received a big offer to join a rival club, with the 22-year-old out of contract at the end of the year.

Adelaide are reportedly offering the forward a five-year deal worth as much as $800,000 per season to return to his home state.

Speaking at his post match press conference on Saturday, Dew all but admitted the Suns weren’t able to match what was being offered to Rankine elsewhere.

“We certainly feel like we’ve got a great support system around him,” he said.

“We feel like we’ve put a lot of development into him and he’s starting to show where he can get to.

“When guys get to the end of their contracts, they’ve got decisions to make.

“And he’s certainly been given a big incentive to look elsewhere.”

It’s believed the Suns are offering Rankine around $650,000 per year.

Rankine has played 48 games for the Suns since being taken with pick three in the 2018 Draft.

He was taken the same year the Gold Coast snapped up Jack Lukosius (pick two) and injured forward Ben King (pick six).

“Heartbreak” awaits whoever finishes 6th | 02:27

Also taken in that draft year after Rankine were Connor Rozee (five), Bailey Smith (seven), Nick Blakey (10) and Zak Butters (12).

Just last week the Suns leadership group went public with their pleas for Rankine to remain at the club.

Co-captain Touk Miller made it clear that convincing the “special” small forward to stay was a top priority, having already re-signed Ben King, Jack Lukosius, Ben Ainsworth, Elijah Hollands and Mac Andrew this year.

“I know there’s a lot of speculation around him and his future, but for us we really want him to be at this club. He’s a special person, a special player,” Miller said.

“We’ve gone to him and had a few chats about how much he means to us and means to the club, so whether that plays a part in the decision, hopefully it does.”

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Lance Buddy Franklin Brisbane Lions, puts contract talks with Sydney Swans on hold, Kane Cornes labels star selfish

Lance Buddy Franklin Brisbane Lions, puts contract talks with Sydney Swans on hold, Kane Cornes labels star selfish

It was the curveball statement that has cast further doubt over Lance Franklin’s footy future.

But it’s the timing of the superstar’s declaration that he’s delayed contract talks until season’s end that pricked the ears of several AFL commentators – and not in a good way.

Franklin, a premiership Hawk, four-time Coleman Medalist, eight-time All Australian and one of just six players in AFL/VFL history to kick 1000 goals, remains one of the biggest names in the AFL world, both on and off the field .

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His management on Saturday morning released a statement, confirming the superstar’s contract talks with the Swans had officially been “paused” so he can “put all my focus on playing footy”.

“I am still undecided and need time after the season to make a family decision about whether I continue to play next year,” said Franklin, who’s coming to the end of a nine-year, $10 million deal and, therefore, a restricted free agent.

Buddy likely to stay in Sydney? | 00:35

In the days prior, Franklin had been strongly linked to Brisbane, while there were also suggestions he was more likely to remain with Sydney after the club had made financial ground in negotiations.

The statement, which was described as “provocative” by veteran AFL journalist Damian Barrett on The Sunday Footy Showwas released just over 24 hours before the Swans, who are now right in the 2022 premiership mix, were to face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

Swans coach John Longmire said on Saturday the club supported Franklin’s decision, labeling it a “really sensitive” move considering his stage of his footy career. Swans chairman Andrew Pridham told 7NewsMelbourne the Swans were “very supportive” of Franklin’s approach, adding: “I see no need to rush an outcome.”

But speaking on Channel 9’s The Sunday Footy Showfour-time Power best and fairest winner Kane Cornes suggested the timing of Franklin’s statement was selfish and “really strange”.

“It was a very ‘me, me, me’ thing to do, I thought, from Buddy Franklin when the Sydney Swans are flying,” Cornes said on Sunday morning.

Lance Franklin of the Swans against the North Melbourne Kangaroos. Picture: Michael WillsonSource: Getty Images

“They’ve paid him $10 million over nine years … I understand that (he’s delivered on his contract), but I’m not sure you need to release a statement prior to the game. What was the point of Buddy doing that?

“It didn’t alleviate any of the talk… It made the talk fester more.”

It all comes after it was reported last month Franklin could leave the Swans – or even call time on his career – with the key forward left frustrated by a low-ball contract offer.

Reports have indicated that he wants between $700,000 and $800,000 next season, but the Swans, who want Franklin to play on, initially offered him a deal between $500,000 and $600,000. Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph suggested if Franklin was paid close to the $800,000 mark, it “makes it hard to keep that (Sydney) list together.”

Asked if it was selfish for Franklin to ask for as much as $800,000 next year, triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy: “It’s hard to say ‘selfish’ because he’s brought a lot of value to that football club. However you need to have an expectation late in your career that your salary is going to come down.

Is Buddy going back to Brisbane? | 00:33

“You’d probably look at the Tom Brady comparison. Tom Brady always played well below market value provided he had weapons and tools around him – and he’s gone on to win seven Super Bowls.

“You feel like the legacy for Buddy to win another premiership and end his career is more important than an extra $100,000 to $200,000.”

St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt said it was a “mature” decision by Franklin considering the premiership opportunity the Swans have this year, but said it was now doubtful the left-footer would be wearing red and white in 2023.

“I don’t think it necessarily augurs that well for him being at Sydney next year,” Riewoldt told Fox Footy’s Best On Ground.

“Whether that’s at another club or retirement, it puts that little seed of doubt in. But they’re not going to talk about it now.”

Seven-time All-Australian Nathan Buckley added: “He’s had success at both clubs, he’s been an established player over a long period of time, he’s contributed heavily to both of his organisations.

“If for family reasons or personal reasons he wants to go and play somewhere else or not play at all – which he might be considering – he’s entitled to it.”

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Champion Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy suffers injury blow

Champion Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy suffers injury blow

Sydney officials are sweating on the severity of champion midfielder Josh Kennedy’s potentially season-ending hamstring strain suffered in the VFL on Sunday morning.

Kennedy hurt his left hamstring lunging towards North Melbourne’s Tarryn Thomas as the Kangaroo burst out of the center in the second quarter at Arden Street Oval.

The Swans are referring to the 34-year-old’s setback as a strain but remain unsure of how serious it is. He won 10 disposals before limping from the field.

Kennedy’s injury coincided with Kangaroos star Ben Cunnington playing his first game in 379 days since being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Cunnington, who won the first center clearance of the match, finished with 18 disposals and three tackles before calling it a day at three-quarter time.

Kennedy’s hopes of forcing his way back into the Swans’ senior side for finals now hang by a thread.

He was Sydney’s medical substitute last week but has otherwise played at second-tier level for the past month since missing eight weeks recovering from a serious right hamstring tendon injury against Carlton in May.

Swans coach John Longmire has consistently praised Kennedy’s attitude and leadership this season while he adjusts to going from an all-time club great to being a fringe member of the squad.

Kennedy is yet to indicate publicly whether he plans to continue into a 17th AFL season next year that would give him the chance to bring up his 300-game milestone.

The former co-captain has appeared only 11 times at senior level this season, which would be the lowest in his 13 seasons in Sydney after crossing from Hawthorn.

Kennedy’s honor roll includes playing in the Swans’ 2012 premiership, winning three Bob Skilton Medals as the club’s best and fairest and being a triple All-Australian.

He has won the most contested possessions (4006) of any AFL footballer since the statistic was recorded.

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AFL news 2022: Kane Cornes slams Buddy Franklin for contract saga, Sydney Swans

AFL news 2022: Kane Cornes slams Buddy Franklin for contract saga, Sydney Swans

Former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes has accused Sydney Swans forward Lance Franklin of selfishness, suggesting the eight-time All-Australian’s contract saga is distracting his teammates ahead of the finals.

Earlier this week, Nine journalist Michael Atkinson reported that Franklin was considering turning his back on the Swans for a deal with the Brisbane Lions.

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But on Saturday, Franklin’s management released a statement confirming the 35-year-old was still “undecided” about his future in the sport, officially putting contract talks on hold and hinting at a possible retirement.

“At this stage conversations have been paused around my contract so I can put all my focus on playing footy,” Franklin said.

“No further comment will be made until the season is done and I have decided about my future.

“I am still undecided and need time after the season to make a family decision about whether I continue to play next year.”

Speaking on Channel 9’s AFL Sunday Footy ShowCornes argued that Franklin’s “very strange” statement didn’t stop speculation about his future in the sport, but rather fanned the flames.

“It was a very ‘me, me, me’ thing to do, I thought, from Buddy Franklin when the Sydney Swans are flying,” he said on Sunday morning.

“They’d paid him $10 million over nine years… I’m not sure you need to release a statement prior to the game.

“What was the point of Buddy doing that?

“It didn’t alleviate any of the talk. It made the talk fester more.

“The day before a game to release a statement like that, I thought it was very strange.”

Franklin has been in excellent form this season, kicking 41 goals in 17 games for Swans. However, the ongoing contract drama has become a significant distraction for John Longmire’s side as they approach September.

Lions coach Chris Fagan believes that if Franklin is considering a move to Queensland it would be more likely to be for retirement rather than continuing his football career.

“I would have thought if they are moving to Queensland, that’s perhaps an indication that Bud’s going to retire from AFL football,” he said on Friday.

“If it came to pass down the track that they do move here, and. someone reaches out from his camp and suggests that he still wants to play, then we would be remiss as a footy club not to go and have a conversation with him.

“As far I’m concerned he’s a Sydney Swans player, and if any of that was going to happen, it would happen when the season’s all over.

“My latest communication with him was a text message I sent to him when he kicked his 1000th (AFL) goal which was four months ago.

“I don’t know what will play out in the future but the way I see it right now is if he is moving to Queensland to live, I would suggest that he’s going to retire.”

Franklin joined the Swans from the Hawthorn Hawks in 2014 on a nine-year, $10 million deal.

While he has been injured prone in recent years, the scenes of fans flooding onto the SCG when he kicked his 1000th career goal showed he is still one of the sport’s biggest drawcards.

The Swans will face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the first bounce scheduled for 1.10pm AEST.

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AFL: Play for 300 or not? Sydney Swans great Josh Kennedy ‘living in moment’

AFL: Play for 300 or not? Sydney Swans great Josh Kennedy 'living in moment'

Sydney Swans champion Josh Kennedy is yet to make up his mind about playing on next year. Either that, or coach John Longmire isn’t giving anything away.

Kennedy technically edged one game closer to his 300-game milestone on Saturday as the medical substitute despite not being used in the Swans’ crushing 73-point triumph over the Giants.

The 34-year-old, who has played 290 matches and would need to extend into next season to reach 300, is yet to return to the senior side since recovering from a serious hamstring injury.

He has played three consecutive VFL contests, including winning 25 disposals and laying six tackles for Sydney’s reserves after the seniors got the job done.

The Swans gatecrashed the top four with their fourth-straight win – the first time they have achieved that this year – and that promises to make a potential fairytale finish more difficult for the former co-captain.

Players such as prized early draftees Logan McDonald and Braeden Campbell, veteran defender Harry Cunningham and forwards Sam Wicks, Ben Ronke and Hayden McLean are also stuck at the lower level.

“I had a brief chat with him a couple of weeks ago about how he’s feeling about (playing on),” Longmire said of Kennedy.

“He said, ‘All I want to do is get back and play this year’, so he’s very much a live-in-the moment-type of person.

“He’s just wanting to get his body right and come back and play, so that’s the way he wanted to approach it. Josh will be the driver of that.”

Longmire oftens fends off selection-related questions at his Monday media conferences by leaning on it being too early in the week to answer and he did so again about Kennedy’s chances of facing North Melbourne.

He said there would be more than just sentiment involved, particularly in regards to Kennedy’s impending milestone, when deciding whether Kennedy continued into a 17th season.

The coach expects ruckmen Tom Hickey and Peter Ladhams to both available this weekend, the latter after missing the past three games with a broken thumb on his dominant right hand.

At what level Ladhams returns at remains to be determined, Longmire said, especially with Sam Reid’s renaissance season as a forward-ruck creating a “good problem”.

With that in mind, he is wary of the last-placed Kangaroos’ centre-bounce prowess, especially after Sydney needed to kick the final four goals against them in round 4 to escape with an 11-point victory.

That is partly why Longmire won’t even contemplate viewing the clash as a possible percentage-booster that could help the Swans’ top-four hopes.

“They’ve obviously changed coach the last three weeks, their clearance stuff is through the roof and their ground-balls are No.1 in the comp, so we’re still mindful of what they can do when they well,” Longmire said .

“We got an experience of that first-hand early in the year.”

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