Sydney chairman Richard Colless hits back at criticism over Lance Franklin's mega deal Sydney chairman Richard Colless has had his say, albeit briefly, on the criticism levelled at the Swans and the cost of living allowance. Swans Chairman Richard Colless hits back at Victorian clubs. Picture: Chris Pavlich OUTSPOKEN Sydney chairman Richard Colless has hit back at suggestions the Swans were rorting the system by using their salary cap concessions to lure Lance Franklin. Sydney copped flak from rival Victorian clubs including Carlton and Collingwood last week after it was revealed the 2011 premiers had sensationally secured Franklin on a nine-year, $10m mega deal. It was thought Greater Western Sydney was best-placed to secure the dual premiership winning Hawk left-footer. But Colless, who will step aside in February at the club's annual general meeting, unleashed on his Victorian rivals questioning the Swans' 10 per cent cost of living allowance. "I was given strict instructions by (new chairman) Andrew Pridham and (chief executive) Andrew Ireland not to go there and I won't," Colless said last night at Sydney's best and fairest count. But this club was treated like a pariah by the VFL. We got ourselves out of it. And we're not simply not going to take the sort of s--- that's been said this week. I reckon the relationship with some of our brother clubs will be at boiling point. The Swans lodged free agency paperwork for Franklin yesterday but the league stepped in to ensure the contract was within salary cap restrictions. Meanwhile, Swans coach John Longmire revealed highly touted assistant Leigh Tudor was leaving the club. It's understood Tudor is in discussions with North Melbourne about an assistant coaches role.