Looking back after the legendary forward decided to hang up his boots on Monday, coach John Longmire said he was always unsure about the possibility of securing Franklin's signature.
"We were really fortunate he reached out to us," Longmire said at Franklin's retirement announcement.
"People think it was about the deal. Initially, it was because Jes (Franklin's wife) was living in Sydney."
Franklin began his footballing journey when drafted as pick five in 2004 by Hawthorn, where he became a dual premiership player.
After nine seasons with the Hawks, he was classified as a restricted free agent by the end of 2013, which meant the club could retain the key forward if able to match rival offers.
Reports identified expansion outfit Greater Western Sydney as the most likely destination if Franklin was to leave.
But it was Sydney in the end, following a $10 million deal unmatched by the Hawks.
"Lance was the first big free agent in the competition when free agency was right at its infancy," club chief executive Tom Harley said.
"There was no bigger name in the game at that point in time, coming off a couple of premierships."
Longmire added the impact Franklin had had on the club and Australian football in NSW had been profound, going so far as to say he has transcended the sport.
"I don't think you can ever fill the gap that he's left," he said.
"When he came to here, it went to another level, another generation, and the interest went up through the roof.
"Our first training session, a couple of helicopters circling up above and I thought, 'This is a bit different'.
"Most importantly, it kept us competitive."
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