LANCE Franklin is one step closer to leaving Hawthorn after the Sydney Swans lodged a free agency offer with the AFL on Friday.
AFL media relations manager Patrick Keane tweeted that the Swans had made an official offer to Franklin following Tuesday's news they had beaten GWS to the superstar's signature with a nine-year, $10 million offer.
Franklin's passage to the Swans is not yet a formality, however, with Keane saying the AFL was "still examining" the offer.
Given Franklin is a restricted free agent, the Hawks now have 72 hours to decide whether to keep the two-time Coleman medallist by matching the Swans' offer.
But Hawthorn list manager Graham Wright told afl.com.au earlier on Friday it was unlikely the Hawks would do that.
"It would be doubtful but we would wait until we actually see the offer first," Wright said.
"We're disappointed he is gone – at this stage – we have not seen any free agent offers come in yet and we will deal with that when they do."
Sydney has made an offer to Restricted Free Agent Lance Franklin. The AFL is currently still examining this offer.
— Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) October 4, 2013
The AFL will advise the respective clubs and the wider football public immediately when the examination of Franklin offer has been concluded
— Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) October 4, 2013
