The status of Lance Franklin’s controversial offer from Sydney is a key issue for the AFL when the free agency period officially opens on Friday.

The Swans and Franklin rocked the league on Tuesday when they announced the proposed move for the Hawthorn star.

There had been widespread speculation the two-time Coleman Medallist was heading to Greater Western Sydney, but Sydney trumped their cross-town rivals.

Many clubs are outraged by Sydney’s proposed nine-year monster deal and want the AFL to end the club’s cost of living allowance.

The league is looking into the deal, but Franklin’s manager Liam Pickering insists it is completely above board.

There will be plenty of paperwork filed on Friday, with Melbourne and Fremantle confirming that Demons midfielder Colin Sylvia is about to join the losing grand finalists.

Carlton are set to reunite Collingwood star and restricted free agent Dale Thomas with a bumper four-year deal.

Thomas is the second-biggest name in this year’s free agency list behind Franklin.

Carlton recruiting manager Shane Rogers said the Blues are confident Thomas is over his well-documented ankle problems.

An All-Australian two years ago, Thomas managed only five senior games this season.

While the Blues should secure Thomas, they are resigned to losing small forward Eddie Betts to Adelaide on a four-year deal.

There appears little doubt Paul Chapman will find a new home after Geelong confirmed the three-time premiership player and unrestricted free agent will leave the club.

Cats key forward James Podsiadly is also on the market after Geelong announced they would not offer him a new contract.