Reports that the Sydney Swans are on the verge of signing Hawks superstar Lance Buddy Franklin have been met with a storm of controversy.

Some teams say the deal is rorting the salary cap system, but the Swans are adamant it’s entirely above board.

Tennikah Webster reports.

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He’s one of Hawthorn’s top players.

But now Buddy Franklin stands to make $10million by changing teams and states.

He’s been offered a nine year contract with the Swans in Sydney.

But, the impending deal, the biggest in the league’s history, has been criticised.

Members of the AFL community claim the salary cap concessions available to last year’s premiers gives them an unfair advantage.

But the Swans say he’s entitled to earn whatever he can.

Andrew Ireland, Sydney Swans CEO: “This has been driven by Buddy Franklin wanting to play for the Sydney Swans, he’s a free agent, the rules were established for free agency to allow players the opportunity to try after giving good service, to leave a club and go to the club of their choice.”

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse is spearheading the attack.

He says the Swans are exploiting a rule that allow them to use cost of living allowances to attract interstate players and boost the game’s national pofile.

Malthouse says it’s unfair to other teams constrained by the league-wide salary cap.

Franklin was expected to go to the newer team Greater Western Sydney, but they have now withdrawn their multi-million dollar offer.

An AFL investigation into the deal began today.

Tennikah Webster, QUT News.