'There'll be some soul searching': Buddy Franklin points to alarming issue underpinning Swans struggles
Lance Franklin believes his old side Sydney will be 'soul searching' this week, after another tough loss.
The Swans sit 14th on the ladder with just two wins after seven games. They led Gold Coast by as much as 29 points in round seven, before conceding 12 consecutive goals to ultimately lose by 38.
It has been a tough initiation for new coach Dean Cox, following John Longmire's shock departure after 2024's grand final thumping.
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Lance Franklin has spoken candidly on his old side's issues Getty
Franklin feels for the Swans, but knows they have a lot of work to do to correct their issues.
"They started the game so well, five goals up, centre bounce clearances was 8-0 Sydney's way which was like on record pace and then I don't know what happened after that. Obviously there would be some conversations happening at the club now asking how that happened," Franklin told the Buddy and Shane show.
"I think it will (be a big week internally). Soul searching, some long conversations.
"I look at it and they still have some really good players. Obviously they've got injuries. Injuries happen to every club, but they've got some guns out.
"Tom Papley and Errol Gulden, both of them being out does cost you, especially Errol with his ball movement and his kicking, it really opens up the play.
"They'll be disappointed. They'll be really disappointed with what they dished up yesterday, especially after starting the game so well. They looked on.
"Then after that, when Gold Coast came back at them, there was no push back at all from Sydney which was really disappointing and that's what they'll be looking at.
Isaac Heeney of the Swans and teammates Getty
"As soon as (Gold Coast) shut down Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney, it was like okay, what else have they got to come through? At this stage, it's just not there.
"You want your leaders to play well, but you want your role players to play well and drive the standards, and unfortunately they just don't have that at the moment.
"There'll be some soul searching at the club this week and some honest conversations no doubt."
The good news for Sydney is that they locked in star midfielder Chad Warner on a two-year deal on Thursday, something Buddy was buoyant about.
"He's a unique man, Chaddy. He's a special player and it's great to see him sign on for two years at the Swans. It's a huge coup for the club to get him on-board," Franklin said.
"It's a massive signing. He's a huge part of the club."
Sydney faces another huge test in round eight, taking on crosstown rivals GWS, with Essendon, Carlton and Melbourne to follow.
