THE MOST enduring off-field saga of the 2013 AFL season finally reached its expected conclusion on xxxx, with Buddy Franklin announcing his intention to leave Hawthorn and join Greater Western Sydney.
The Essendon supplements scandal was the year's biggest story, but from the moment Franklin uttered those familiar intentions to "put off contract talks until the end of the year", speculation about his future never stopped.
When it emerged during the season the Giants were set to offer a staggering $10-12 million for the superstar, many felt his shift to western Sydney had become a when, rather than if, proposition.
And that has proven the case, with the 26-year-old agreeing to the move just days after securing his second premiership medallion as a Hawk.
It is a move that could transform the fortunes of the AFL's 18th club.
There have been some big milestones for GWS in its short history, including being granted its licence, signing Kevin Sheedy as its inaugural coach and picking up its first victory.
But Franklin's signature stands right near the top in terms of significance for a club that needs some help to boost its on-field credibility.
GWS picked up two wins in 2012, but managed just one in 2013, suffering from the retirements of its veterans Luke Power, Chad Cornes and James McDonald.
It made it clear throughout the season that some experienced players were desperately needed to bolster its bountiful stocks of young talent.
In 20-year-old All Australian Jeremy Cameron, Callan Ward, Tom Scully, Lachie Whitfield, Phil Davis and Stephen Coniglio, among others, the Giants have the nucleus of a strong side.
But they need some mature bodies to expedite their development and Franklin represents an outstanding start in that endeavour.
Franklin's commitment should also help convince other prospective free agents the club is heading in the right direction.
The two-time Coleman Medal winner and four-time All Australian has spent plenty of time in the harbour city, stating in August: "I like Sydney. I obviously like Sydney a lot.
"But I enjoy myself in Melbourne and obviously love Hawthorn Football Club.
"As I've said from the start of the season, I'll leave that for the end of the season and from there make my mind up on what I'm going to do.
"But at this stage it's Hawthorn where I want to be.''
Yet the once-in-a-lifetime contract offer, combined with premiership redemption at the Hawks following their loss in the 2012 Grand Final, led to his change of heart.
Hawthorn stated throughout the season it wanted to retain its biggest star, but also started planning for life without him, reportedly withdrawing its contract offer in early September.
The Hawks have an excellent record when Franklin isn't in the line-up and while his departure hurts, few will expect it to have a seismic impact on the premiers' on-field prospects.
Selected fifth in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft, Franklin played 182 games over nine seasons for the Hawks, kicking 580 goals.
He has links with Leon Cameron, a former assistant coach at Waverley who has replaced Sheedy for the coming season.
Twitter: @AFL_JD
