Buddy hangs up his boots
Sydney Swans champion and icon of the game Lance Franklin has called time on his remarkable career, announcing his retirement, effective immediately.
The champion forward has decided to hang up the boots, after 354 games over 19 seasons at the highest level.
He will leave the game as a dual premiership player, eight-time All Australian, four-time Coleman Medallist, and will finish 4th overall on the all-time goal kicking list with 1066 career goals.
Franklin is also a seven-time leading goal kicker for the Sydney Swans and a six-time Hawthorn leading goal kicker.
The 36-year-old told teammates of his decision on Monday afternoon, saying it has been an “unbelievable journey.”
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Sydney’s greatest showman
Franklin has had an immeasurable impact on the Australian football community in NSW. You only need to look at his 1000th goal celebrations at the SCG in Round 2 2022 to understand the affection Swans fans and the football public has for Buddy.
Off the field, Franklin attended dozens of community events throughout Sydney and NSW, offering wise words or inspiration (with plenty of selfies included!) for awed participants.
Head of AFL NSW/ACT, Tiffany Robertson, said of Lance Franklin’s impact on grassroots footy in NSW: “Lance is a once in a generation player who contributed to the popularity of our game in Sydney and NSW like few others.
“I want to congratulate Lance on a wonderful career and thank him for his efforts to bring people along for the ride on and off the field.
“Throughout his time at the Swans, Lance often attended community events, school programs, Auskick sessions or talent pathway programs. His presence gave fans and aspiring stars moments to cherish as they met the champion face to face.”
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From Horse’s mouth
Sydney Swans coach, John Longmire, paid tribute to Franklin, saying he was a privilege to coach.
“Lance Franklin has been a wonderful player with this football club and in my opinion is the greatest forward of his generation,” Longmire said.
“He is an absolute freak of nature and we have been lucky enough to have front row seats to one of the best ever to play.
“He is a massive competitor and a wonderful teammate. Lance is also an extremely private and humble champion, which makes him even more endearing to those who know him.
“After coming to the Swans as a 26-year-old in the prime of his life, he leaves as one of our most loved players to run out in the red and white. He is an out and out champion and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
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