In the annals of Australian Football League (AFL) history, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin. Today, we bid adieu to this titan of the turf, as he hangs up his boots after a stellar 19-season career.
Franklin, a veritable colossus of the game, announced his retirement effective immediately, leaving a legacy that will echo through the ages. A calf injury sustained in a recent victory over Essendon marked the end of an era, with Franklin deciding to call time on his illustrious career.
The West Australian prodigy, plucked from the 2004 draft at pick No.5, has been a force of nature on the field. His career, spanning nearly two decades, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Franklin’s journey began with the Hawks, where he led them to a premiership triumph in 2008, kicking a staggering 113 goals that season. His tenure with the Hawks saw him play 182 games and kick 580 goals, culminating in a premiership win over Fremantle in 2013.
In one of the most dramatic player switches the game has ever seen, Franklin, the biggest free agent ever to move clubs, turned down an offer from Greater Western Sydney to join the Sydney Swans on a nine-year, $10 million deal. His impact on the Swans and the New South Wales market was immediate and profound. He played 172 games and kicked 486 goals for the Swans, featuring in their 2014, 2016, and 2022 Grand Final defeats.
Franklin’s record speaks for itself. He finishes his career as the fourth-leading goalkicker in VFL/AFL history, having crossed the magical 1000-goal barrier last year. He was a seven-time Sydney leading goalkicker and an eight-time All-Australian, even captaining the side in 2018.
Swans CEO Tom Harley paid tribute to Franklin, stating, “Lance is an icon of the AFL and will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play this game. He is a champion and will leave a lasting legacy, not only at the Sydney Swans, but within the AFL and broader community.”
Swans coach John Longmire echoed these sentiments, labelling Franklin “the greatest forward of his generation.” He added, “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.”
As we bid farewell to this legend of the game, we reflect on his remarkable journey and the indelible mark he has left on the AFL. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Farewell, Buddy, and thanks for the memories.
