HAWTHORN defender Josh Gibson says he has no idea where good mate Lance Franklin will play next year.

Franklin is weighing up whether to stay with Hawthorn for a 10th season and beyond, or take up a lucrative deal with Greater Western Sydney.

Now with a second premiership to his name, Franklin said he would make a decision on his future early next week, but Gibson is still in the dark.

"I promise you, I don't know," Gibson said.

"I hope this (winner's medal) convinces him to stay, but I'm going to enjoy this time with him and what will be will be."

Gibson was a standout in the 15-point Grand Final victory, winning his first premiership four years after joining the Hawks from North Melbourne.

He had 19 disposals and nine marks and was a rock alongside Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake.


Gibson said the enormity of the achievement caught up with him after the siren.

"I was crying like a sissy after the game. I feel like I had 50 kilos lifted off my shoulders and I've never been so happy," he said.

"I didn't really feel pressure, but obviously the way I reacted after the game, it was a massive relief."

Gibson was full of praise for coach Alastair Clarkson, who helped lure him to the Hawks after four seasons with the Kangaroos.

He has played 82 games since joining Hawthorn prior to the 2010 season.

"During that time Hawthorn had a vision of the role they saw me playing and where they saw the club going, and that's all come true today," Gibson said.

"I just love playing here. I'm so lucky to play for the club I grew up barracking for. I owe a lot to the footy club, and Clarko is a fantastic coach and he's really got the best out of some guys he got across. 

"I think myself and Haley (David Hale) have really gone up a level since we came across and that's a credit to the playing group here and the football department."




Josh Gibson and Lance Franklin embrace after Hawthorn beat Fremantle on Saturday. Picture: AFL Media