Buddy fulfils final career wish in emotional MCG scenes
Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin has been officially farewelled from the game at the MCG, as part of the Hawthorn and Sydney clash on Sunday.
Franklin retired during the 2023 season after injurying his calf, closing the chapter on one of the most decorated and exciting careers in the game’s history.
The superstar forward played for both the Hawks and Swans, kicking 1066 goals across 354 games, winning two premierships, eight All-Australian blazers and four Coleman Medals during an illustrious career.
FOLLOW LIVE: NRL round eight Sunday
Franklin was farewelled at the end of last season in front of adoring Swans fans at the SCG, but felt his career, which began at Hawthorn, needed its own closure.
Franklin undertook a lap on honour with his children Tullulah and Rocky, alongside former Hawthorn teammates Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis’ kids.
Franklin’s lap of honour at the MCG.
It was something the former Hawthorn forward felt he needed to do.
“It was really important to me. I wanted to come back and thank all the Hawthorn fans,” Franklin told friend Lewis at the MCG on Sunday.
“It’s the home of football, isn’t it? There’s no better stadium in Australia. I absolutely loved my time playing football here.”
Franklin also made a special effort to thank the Hawthorn cheer squad, something he hadn’t had a chance to do before moving to the Swans on a mega deal back in 2014.
Buddy’s back at the ‘G 😍 pic.twitter.com/tnHDLtzYU6
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) April 28, 2024
But in true Franklin fashion, he didn’t want to spotlight to be solely on him.
“It’s all about family, Roughy’s kids, Lewis’ kids and my kids here today,” he said.
“19 years on from when we were first drafted, to be here today, who would have thought? It’s an incredible moment for us.”
Franklin was welcomed back to Waverley, the club’s home training base during the week by former teammate – now club coach – Sam Mitchell.
“I went to the club yesterday, Sam Mitchell got me down with the kids. I absolutely loved it, brought back so many memories, that’s for sure,” he said.
Franklin was a six-time leading goalkicker at the Hawks and a seven-time winner with Sydney.