LANCE Franklin's former manager has questioned whether Buddy's decision to change management companies is in the superstar's long-term interest, but says he is not angry with his former client. 

Liam Pickering told SEN radio he was shocked when Franklin told him he was changing to a celebrity management company that has no other AFL footballers as clients.

"From a football perspective, I think a sounding board that has got a football background is ideal for Buddy," Pickering said.

Franklin splits with manager Liam Pickering

Pickering managed Franklin's move from Hawthorn to the Sydney Swans at the end of 2013, and secured him a nine-year, $10 millon contract.

He revealed he has been travelling to Sydney once a week in 2014 to help Franklin get organised as he settled into a new city.

Pickering has been the forward's manager throughout his 10-year AFL career. In that time, Franklin has become the game's biggest name, winning two premierships, two Coleman Medals, four All Australian selections and a best and fairest with the Hawks.

"He (Franklin) thought he needed someone in Sydney, and that is disappointing but it's life. I don't have any problems with Bud, I love Bud, I want him to do well tonight (against the Hawks). I want him to do well for the year, but I was a bit shocked at the time I must say," Pickering said.

Pickering questioned whether Franklin's new management company would understand what was best for Buddy's football, suggesting they would " promise the world and deliver an atlas, which is what going to happen."

Franklin will honour his commitments to Pickering, who said he was happy to accept the 27-year-old's decision.

"I'm actually not filthy at all. I understand people can get in his ear," Pickering said. "His main job is football."