Perhaps the missing piece to Alistair Clarkson's play for the fifth premiership trophy; the star forward that helped win his first two.
The eight-time All-Australian has become a once-in-a-generation player and would slot straight back into the Hawks forward group.
With 944 goals to his name, it would only be fitting for Franklin to bring up the illustrious 1,000-goal mark where it all started - ย in the brown and gold.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Lance Franklin of the Hawks celebrates kicking a goal during the round 21 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 16, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
