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Jaiden Sciberras • April 25th, 2025 9:13 am
AFL legend Lance 'Buddy' Franklin has put forward his predictions for the premiership flag in 2025.
Buddy has made his media debut, introducing podcast The Buddy and Shane Show with former Hawthorn teammate Shane Crawford.
Talking all things footy, Franklin was asked to predict which team he believes will go all the way this season, flagging two former rival top-end teams as likely candidates to extend deep into September.
Crawford: “Nostradamus Buddy.
“We’re going to predict the future. We’ve seen a sample size of what the teams are prepared to do, and how they are going to set up and the attitude they are bringing so far this year.
“The Grand Final winner this year, 2025, which way are you leaning?”
Franklin: “I’m leaning towards the Pies premiership.
“It kills me to say that. I think them at their best, they are probably the best at the moment.
“They set up really well, I think Fly (Craig McRae) is coaching them really well, and I think the senior boys are doing really well.”
Buddy also has a bit of time for the Giants after giving up a golden opportunity last season.
“GWS, I think any time you lose a prelim final you want to come back the next year and go one better,” he added.
“I look at GWS’ list, and I think they have the best list by a fair margin.
“The players they have got, their early draft picks, (Jesse) Hogan up forward, they’ve got a loaded team, so it’ll be good to see them go well.”
Collingwood and the Giants faced off in Opening Round, with GWS securing an impressive 52-point victory at ENGIE Stadium.
The clash remains Collingwood's only loss in 2025, winning the next five to claim the top spot ahead of their Anzac Day meeting with Essendon.
The Giants sit at four wins from six, falling to the Crows in Round 6 with the Bulldogs awaiting in Round 7.
