Hawthorn great Robert DiPierdomenico says while he hopes current superstar Lance Franklin remains a Hawk, he believes if he makes a big-money move to Greater Western Sydney it would be ''great for the game''.
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The Giants are trying to lure Franklin to Sydney next season on a six-year deal reportedly worth $9 million. Hawthorn's offer would be closer to $1 million a year over four years and the club seems genuinely unsure as to which way the cards will fall.
DiPierdomenico spent his 240-game career at Hawthorn between 1975 and 1991, winning five premierships and a Brownlow Medal.
''Please stay at Hawthorn, Buddy,'' DiPierdomenico grinned. ''But today it's a business. If [Franklin joins the Giants] it will be great for the game, great for GWS. He brings excitement to the game when he goes near the ball. Everyone wants a superstar at GWS, but they've got superstars there.''
DiPierdomenico was in Canberra for the AFL Hall of Fame dinner at Parliament House on Tuesday night and spent Wednesday with injured GWS Giants No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton.
Patton, who is recovering from knee surgery, said he would love Franklin to join the Giants.
''I'd have a smile on my face if he came to the club. It would be important for us to get a marquee player - Franklin and Gary Ablett are probably in the same category - but we'll just see what happens.''
