Axed player manager Liam Pickering has launched a stinging attack on high-profile publicist Max Markson, and suggested that promises made to former client Lance Franklin are unrealistic.
Speaking after being dumped as Franklin's agent - only nine months after securing the star forward's nine-year $10 million deal at the Sydney Swans - Pickering expressed reservations about whether Franklin's new representative Sharon Finnigan was a good fit for the former Hawk forward.
"I think a sounding board that's got a football background is ideal for Buddy, but again that's a decision he's made, so I'm not going to be angry about that," Pickering said on Crocmedia's Off the Bench program
Finnigan acts for Franklin's model girlfriend Jesinta Campbell. The Sydney-based agent deals mainly with celebrities including Karl Stefanovic and Samantha Armytage, but also acts behalf of sportspeople including cricketer Shane Watson.
Markson had told radio SEN on Friday that Franklin's commercial potential had not been realised under Pickering, an assertion which Pickering denied.
"He's got no idea," Pickering said.
"He's not a good agent. He's not even an agent."
"I understand that people can get in your ear. And that's what's happened. And Sydney is rife with blokes like Max Markson and Jesinta's manager and these people.
"They promise you the world and deliver an atlas."
Despite his misgivings about Franklin's decision, Pickering said he did not harbour any ill-feeling towards the dual premiership player.
"That's disappointing, but that's life. I don't have any problems with Bud, I love Bud, I want him to do well tonight, I want him to do well for the year but I was a bit shocked at the time."
"If you think I'm going to sit here and bag Buddy Franklin I'm not, because I like the guy.
"I can't control who's in his ear."
Pickering will continue to receive an annual commission for the remainder of Franklin's contract.
The former North Melbourne and Geelong player continues to serve as manager for high-profile AFL players including Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, and Collingwood pair Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury, as well as Swans coach John Longmire.
