Hart wants to see Buddy as a Tiger.

[Toga]

Richmond great Royce Hart urges Tigers to chase Hawthorn free agent Lance Franklin

ROYCE Hart, the AFL's Team of the Century centre half-forward, has urged Richmond to chase Lance Franklin, saying he could make the difference in the Tigers' quest for their first flag in a generation.

The Richmond legend believes his old side is in desperate need of a power centre half-forward to help full-forward Jack Riewoldt.

Hart said the out-of-contract Hawk must be the Tigers' prime target for 2014.

"(Richmond) are on the right track ... but they still haven't quite got the balance right," said Hart, named a Legend in the AFL Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

"I couldn't tell you who has played centre half-forward (for Richmond) this year.

"They need to pick up 'Buddy' Franklin. Why not have a crack at trying to get him if he is available."

The Tigers famously had the chance to select Franklin in the 2004 national draft, but overlooked him with two picks - for midfielder Brett Deledio at No.1 then Richard Tambling, now playing with Adelaide, at No.4.

Franklin went to Hawthorn at No.5.

"They went for smaller blokes and, in my opinion, no little bloke will beat a big bloke in a body-contact sport," Hart said.

Franklin has put off contract negotiations until the end of the season.

Hart remains disappointed the Tigers did not make a more significant bid for Travis Cloke when he had his contract stand-off with Collingwood last year.

"He should have been playing at Richmond anyway because of his family background with the Tigers," Hart said.

Cloke's father played 219 games with Richmond and his grandfather was a long-time Tigers committeeman.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-great-royce-hart-urges-tigers-to-chase-hawthorn-free-agent-lance-franklin/story-fni5f9jb-1226658089045




I really do agree, that seems to be a big lacking point in our structure at the moment. Vickery has been ok, but a dominant player in the Buddy mould would be fantastic.

Not sure we have the salary cap space though, and I would've though Fremantle would be a likely new home for him, but boy oh boy wowee I'd love to see him in the yellow and black!

[kilbluff1985]

Yeah can't see how you could offer as much or more then GWS will/have especially with some young guns like Vlastuin, Ellis and Cotchin and Deledio still fairly young along with Martin and JROO

Better off keeping the blokes you have

[Toga]

Yeah I'm sure our boys would be taking a fair chunk of our salary cap up already, I guess trading is an option but idk who we would want to trade that is worth anything...

[Rusty00]

Maybe a trade could be organised with the Crows involved as well so that Tambling ends up at Hawthorn and Franklin at Richmond  :P

[TeeJay]

Maybe a trade could be organised with the Crows involved as well so that Tambling ends up at Hawthorn and Franklin at Richmond  :P

lmao would be fitting wouldnt it

[Chelskiman]

Maybe a trade could be organised with the Crows involved as well so that Tambling ends up at Hawthorn and Franklin at Richmond  :P

lmao would be fitting wouldnt it

Then watch Buddy become a spud and Tambling win a Brownlow.  That would be our luck. xD