LANCE FRANKLIN has split with the man who orchestrated his shock move to Sydney.
The two-time premiership forward has parted ways with manager Liam Pickering to join a celebrity management company based in the Harbour City.
"I'm disappointed but as Buddy would say himself, it is what it is. It's the game we're in," Pickering told The Footy Show.
"Buddy and I have never had a blue and as always I want him to do well."
Pickering was the mastermind of Franklin's move to the Swans, by his own admission blindsiding the Giants and the Hawks.
Franklin signed a controversial nine-year contract, reportedly worth $10million.
Pickering also manages Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett, and played a pivotal role in the Brownlow medallist's move from Geelong to the Suns.
He continues to manage a number of other stars including Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Jack Riewoldt, Tom Boyd and Sydney Swans coach John Longmire.
Franklin is due to play in front of his old fans for the first time on Saturday night when Sydney travels to play Hawthorn at the MCG.
