AFL icon Lance Franklin has expressed concerns regarding St Kilda’s reported offer of $1.7 million per season to Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning. Franklin, speaking on the “Buddy and Shane” podcast, believes this investment may not be the most strategic move for the Saints, who he feels should prioritise acquiring quality midfielders instead. Despite acknowledging De Koning’s potential, Franklin argued that spending such a substantial amount on a ruckman is excessive, suggesting St Kilda could better utilise that budget on enhancing their midfield lineup.
Franklin commented, “It’s a lot of money. He is a ruckman, let’s remember that. Personally, I wouldn’t be paying that to a ruckman.” He elaborated that if he were managing the club’s budget, he would allocate funds towards signing two midfielders, stating that the Saints currently require bolstering in that area. He acknowledged the existing talent within their midfield but stressed the need for additional support to optimise their performance.
Furthermore, Franklin highlighted St Kilda’s desire to retain star defender Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera amid interest from Adelaide and Port Adelaide, advocating for him to receive a competitive contract due to his unique contributions on the field. Franklin believes that the funds intended for De Koning could instead be channelled into securing Wanganeen-Milera, as his exceptional skills can significantly impact the game.
As St Kilda looks ahead to their next match against West Coast at Optus Stadium, Franklin emphasises the importance of making calculated decisions in player investments, particularly with the aim of strengthening their overall team structure.