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by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

In the week after the Grand Final, the free agency period began. The biggest move was Hawk Lance Franklin accepting a nine year deal with Sydney, reportedly worth $10 million. There had been speculation for months as to whether or not Franklin would depart Hawthorn. Initially, GWS was interested in Franklin but backed out. Franklin's manager Liam Pickering said Franklin's decision to move from Victoria was partly due to the relentless hounding he received by the media. Pickering said that when Franklin lost his driver's license in 2012, reporters were camped out in front of his home for several weeks.

Other free agency moves were Colin Sylvia from Melbourne to Fremantle, Richmond's Matt White to Port Adelaide and Carlton's Eddie Betts to Adelaide. Out of contract Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford joined GWS. It is believed that he was pushed out of the Swans due to the huge contract offered to Franklin. Mumford said that, while disappointed, he was hoping his signing with the Giants would rev up the cross-town rivalry. He jokingly warned former ruck partner Mike Pyke was coming after him.

Both Brisbane and West Coast have appointed new senior coaches. The Lions have appointed triple premiership player Justin Lepptisch. He served as an assistant under Leigh Matthews after retiring as a player, then joined the Richmond coaching staff as an assistant.

North Melbourne premiership player Adam Simpson, an assistant coach at Hawthorn under Alastair Clarkson, has received the nod to lead the Eagles. Simpson played over 300 games with the Kangaroos including the 1996 and 1999 Premierships.

Geelong has opted not to renew James Podsiadly's contract. Paul Chapman and Josh Hunt will also be looking for new homes in 2014. Chapman was told by the club that his opportunities would be limited next year as the club focuses on youth development. Joel Corey also announced his retirement during the free agency period.

Hawk premiership players Brent Guerra and Max Bailey have both retired. Guerra goes out after a 14 year, three club career. He began at Port Adelaide and was traded to St Kilda at the end of 2003. He joined the Hawks in 2006 and played in the 2008 Premiership. Bailey has had a rough time of it since being drafted in 2005, enduring three knee reconstructions and playing just 43 games since his 2006 debut. Bailey was swiftly recruited to join Richmond in a development role.

Source: abc.net.au, afl.com.au

Article last changed on Monday, September 12, 2022 - 5:19 PM EDT


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