AFL great Lance Franklin has expressed his discontent with the Sydney Swans following what he termed "one of the worst performances" he has witnessed from the team, particularly in front of the 2005 premiership squad during their reunion match. His criticism extends to new coach Dean Cox, as the Swans have experienced significant defeats in their last two matches, losing by a combined 143 points to Melbourne and Adelaide. Currently, they find themselves sitting 14th on the ladder with only four victories this season.
Franklin shared his surprise at the team’s performance during the Buddy and Shane Podcast, highlighting the disappointment as it coincided with a momentous occasion—the club’s celebration of their 2005 premiership. He stated, "I was blown away with what took place," and noted that such an effort was unexpected given the pre-game build-up. Franklin emphasized that while losses are part of the game, the team must show greater effort, and he remarked that the recent performance was among the poorest he had seen in his time at the club.
Reflecting on the Swans’ struggles, Franklin acknowledged that the abrupt decline showcases the calibre of former coach John Longmire, who led the team to numerous grand finals during his tenure. With Longmire’s departure attributed to burnout after 207 wins out of 332 matches, the pressure has now shifted to Cox, who Franklins believes must address the apparent lack of motivation and discipline within the team.
Cox’s first year as head coach has already drawn scrutiny, with media figures like Shane Crawford noting that if results do not improve, his tenure may be in jeopardy. Crawford mentioned that while it’s early in Cox’s career, the current trajectory could propel him out of the role if the situation does not improve.
Despite the struggles, Franklin remains optimistic about the Swans’ potential to rebound and avoid using their injured players as an excuse for a poor season. He believes that following a period of reflection and recovery, key players like Tom Papley and Errol Gulden could return to aid the team’s performance. Ending on a hopeful note, he stated, "Knowing the Swans, there’s no way they’ll be putting people on ice and waiting for next year," expressing confidence that they will strive to reclaim their form as they prepare to face Richmond in their next match.