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Lance Franklin

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Lance Franklin
Franklin playing for Sydney in 2017
Personal information
Full name Lance Franklin
Nickname(s) Buddy
Date of birth (1987-01-30) 30 January 1987 (age 37)
Place of birth Perth, Western Australia
Original team(s) Perth (WAFL)
Draft No. 5, 2004 national draft
Debut Round 1, 2005, Hawthorn vs. Sydney, at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Height 199 cm (6 ft 6 in)
Weight 105 kg (231 lb)
Position(s) Key forward
Playing career
Years Club Games (Goals)
2005–2013 Hawthorn 182 0(580)
2014–2023 Sydney 172 0(486)
Total 354 (1066)
Representative team honours
Years Team Games (Goals)
2008 Dream Team 1 (4)
International team honours
2013 Australia 1 (1)
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Lance Franklin (born 30 January 1987), also known as Buddy Franklin, is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played in the Australian Football League (AFL). He played for the Hawthorn Football Club from 2005 to 2013 and the Sydney Swans from 2014 to 2023. Regarded as the greatest forward of his generation and among the greatest players of all time,[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Franklin kicked 1,066 goals, the fourth-most in VFL/AFL history; he was his club's leading goalkicker on 13 occasions (six for Hawthorn and seven for Sydney) and kicked at least 50 goals in a season 13 times. Franklin was selected in the All-Australian team on eight occasions (three at full forward and five at centre half-forward), including as captain in the 2018 team, and won four Coleman Medals throughout his career, with his biggest haul coming in 2008 with Hawthorn, when he kicked 113 goals.

Franklin won two premierships, four All-Australian selections, two Coleman Medals and a Peter Crimmins Medal in his time at Hawthorn. He was Hawthorn's leading goalkicker for six consecutive seasons prior to his final season at the club in 2013, and also kicked the AFL Goal of the Year on two occasions (in 2010 and 2013). He also received a nomination for the 2005 AFL Rising Star award in round 4 of the 2005 season. After winning his second premiership at Hawthorn in 2013, Franklin moved to Sydney via free agency on a nine-year, $10 million deal, before representing Australia in the 2013 International Rules Series. He won a further four All-Australian selections and two Coleman Medals playing for Sydney, and was the club's leading goalkicker in his first five seasons there. Despite suffering a number of setbacks through injury, Franklin played 354 games, reaching 300 games in 2019 and 1,000 goals in 2022.

Early life

[edit]

Franklin was born in Perth, Western Australia, into a family of Indigenous Australian heritage (Noongar-Wajuk)[8] and grew up in Dowerin supporting the Melbourne Football Club. Franklin's father, Lance Sr., lived in Melbourne and played hockey for Victoria before moving to Western Australia at the age of 21, later representing the state in field hockey.[9] His mother, Ursula (née Kickett), is Aboriginal (Noongar).[10][11] His sister, Bianca Giteau, played in the ANZ Championship for the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Derek Kickett is his uncle.[12] Franklin is a cousin of former footballers Jeff Garlett and Dale Kickett.[13]

At the age of 15, he won a sports scholarship and boarded at Wesley College, Perth.[10] He played one senior game for the Perth Football Club in 2004, kicking one goal,[14] and represented Western Australia at the 2004 AFL Under 18 Championships.

AFL career

[edit]

Hawthorn (2005–2013)

[edit]

2005: First season

[edit]

After attending draft camp and showing promise, Hawthorn selected Franklin with their second pick, number five overall, in the 2004 AFL Draft. In a 2012 interview on the Fox Footy program On the Couch, Franklin admitted that his "free spirit" probably scared a few clubs away from selecting him that year. Franklin made his debut in round 1 of the 2005 season against Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground and showed a strong presence up forward throughout the year, kicking 21 goals in 20 games.

2006: Promising signs

[edit]

After injuring his ankle and hand early in the 2006 pre-season, Franklin made his way back to senior level through the VFL and returned in round 9 against the Sydney Swans. In round 12, he kicked six goals against Richmond, in what was his breakout game. On 13 July 2006 Franklin signed a two-year deal to remain at Hawthorn after being linked with clubs such as Essendon, Fremantle and the West Coast Eagles. Another six-goal game late in the season prompted predictions of Franklin to be the next big-name forward in the AFL.

2007: Breakout season

[edit]
Franklin kicking for goal against Essendon in 2007

In 2007, Franklin finished the home-and-away season with 63 goals, finishing third in the Coleman Medal behind Brisbane Lions co-captain Jonathan Brown and Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich. Franklin's tally included a career-high nine goals against Essendon in round 6. However, in round 21 against the Western Bulldogs, he kicked eleven behinds with his two goals. Only Richmond's Jack Titus and St Kilda's Dave McNamara have kicked more behinds in a game without managing more than two goals. Franklin was instrumental in Hawthorn's elimination final win over the Adelaide Crows, kicking seven goals in his finals debut, including the match-winning goal from outside fifty metres with seven seconds remaining in the match.[15][16] Hawthorn were eliminated from the finals the following week by North Melbourne.

Franklin finished the season with an equal-third finish in Hawthorn's best-and-fairest award, the Peter Crimmins Medal, and was Hawthorn's leading goalkicker for the first time in his career.[17]

2008: 113-goal season, first Coleman Medal and first premiership

[edit]
Thousands of supporters take to the field after Franklin kicked his 100th goal for the 2008 season, in round 22 against Carlton

2008 saw Franklin establish himself as one of the elite players in the competition in what proved to be his career-best season, and he won his first Coleman Medal with 102 goals in the home-and-away season. His season-high haul of nine goals came once again against Essendon in round 11.[18] He also played for the Dream Team in the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match, kicking four goals.

Franklin kicked his 100th goal for the home-and-away season against Carlton in round 22 at Etihad Stadium, becoming the first player to kick 100 goals in a season since Tony Lockett in 1998, the first player to kick 100 goals in a year since Fraser Gehrig in 2004, the first Hawthorn player since Jason Dunstall in 1996, as of 2023, the last player to kick 100 goals in a year. Upon reaching the milestone, thousands of supporters stormed the field and formed a large huddle around Franklin, who was promptly ushered from the field and into the change rooms until the supporters had cleared. Prior to the match, the AFL had warned of a $6000 fine for every person who jumped the fence.[19] He also was the first player of Aboriginal descent to achieve this. He then added to his tally by kicking another eight goals in the qualifying final against the Western Bulldogs, equalling Dermott Brereton's record for the most goals kicked by a Hawthorn player in a finals match. He kicked just one goal against St Kilda in the preliminary final, before Hawthorn went on to win the premiership. Although Franklin did not play a large part in the grand final, his two goals brought his season tally up to 113 goals. Franklin was named as full forward in the 2008 All-Australian team, his first ever selection; he then received his first Peter Crimmins Medal for his outstanding season.[20]

Franklin’s a physical freak. He’s probably the player I most enjoy going to watch.

— Leigh Matthews, Hawthorn great and four-time premiership coach[21]

2009: Injuries and 100th game

[edit]

Franklin missed the 2009 NAB Cup after undergoing surgery on his thumb and his shoulder in the off-season. On his return to senior football, his form fell well short of his 2008 performances.[22] He played his 100th game in round 19 against St Kilda at Aurora Stadium in Launceston. During the game, one of Franklin's front teeth got knocked out during a marking contest with Saints defender Zac Dawson.[23]

In round 21, Franklin was suspended for two matches as a result of a hip-and-shoulder against Richmond midfielder Ben Cousins.[24] Hawthorn appealed the decision, but failed.[25] As a result, Franklin missed Hawthorn's final home-and-away match against Essendon, which the Hawks lost, and they, therefore, missed out the finals, causing Franklin to miss round 1 of the following season.

2010: Suspensions and first Goal of the Year award

[edit]

Franklin missed three of the first seven matches of 2010, all through suspension, as Hawthorn lost six consecutive matches after round 1. However, Franklin was back to his best form in round 9 against Carlton at Etihad Stadium, when he led Hawthorn to a 50-point win with five goals.[26] In round 10, Franklin was suspended for the third time in eight matches for a head-high bump on Sydney Swans' defender Martin Mattner.

In round 13, Franklin effectively dragged Hawthorn over the line for a win against their arch-rival in Essendon.[27][28] He kicked five goals for the match, but his last two were the standouts–the final one in particular, a goal from the boundary line on a tight angle after having run from half-back, which was later chosen as Goal of the Year.[29][30] Franklin kicked five goals in Round 17 against St Kilda after returning from an ankle injury;[31] despite his performance, the Saints forced a draw during the final seconds of the match. In round 22, Franklin kicked six goals against Collingwood,[32] helping the Hawks clinch a three-point come-from-behind victory against the eventual premiers. It was the first time that he had kicked more than five goals since 2008. Frankin was named as centre half-forward in the 2010 All-Australian team, his second selection.

2011: Second Coleman Medal

[edit]
Franklin kicking for goal against Port Adelaide in 2011

After a moderately good year in 2010, Franklin had a consistent start to the 2011 season. In round 8 against the Sydney Swans at the SCG, Franklin kicked his 400th goal for Hawthorn in a six-goal outing as the Hawks beat the Swans by 46 points. He continued his consistent goalkicking form for the remainder of the year, including a season-high eight goals in a club-record 165-point win against a young Port Adelaide side at the MCG in Round 21. Franklin went on to win his second Coleman Medal that year with 71 goals, despite spending a significant amount of time further up the ground.

Franklin was Hawthorn's sole target up forward in their qualifying final loss to the Geelong Cats, kicking four goals. However, in the fourth quarter, he landed heavily in a marking contest and hyperextended his knee. While footage of the incident suggested possible damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, scans later revealed that he had instead suffered bone bruising and bleeding; nevertheless, most observers considered Franklin's season to be over following the loss. However, he returned the following week against the Sydney Swans, kicking another four goals and playing an important part in the Hawks' eventual win. Despite spending time in hospital with a virus in the lead-up to the preliminary final against Collingwood, Franklin was a constant danger, kicking three goals, including a dribble kick in the forward pocket from a tight angle, which almost sealed victory for Hawthorn until Collingwood kicked a late goal and won the match, eliminating the Hawks. Franklin was named in the 2011 All-Australian team, his third selection and second as full forward.

2012: Thirteen-goal game and 500th goal

[edit]
Franklin celebrating a goal against Adelaide in 2012

Franklin struggled early in the season with inaccurate goalkicking, kicking 21 goals and 36 behinds in his first nine matches.[33] However, he dramatically reversed his fortunes in round 10 when he kicked a career-high thirteen goals in a 115-point drubbing of North Melbourne at Aurora Stadium.[34] Franklin was also among five players that year to reach the milestone of 500 career goals, which occurred in a 162-point demolition of newcomers Greater Western Sydney in round 15, nearly eclipsing the club-record winning margin set the year before. He was the second indigenous player to reach 500 goals, the fifth Hawthorn player, the seventh-youngest and the tenth-quickest from debut.[35] However, Franklin suffered a hamstring injury the week before and continued to play, before injuring it further in the Giants game which, along with an illness, caused him to miss six matches.[36]

Franklin returned against Sydney at the SCG in round 22, kicking four goals in a seven-point come-from-behind victory against the eventual premiers, including three in the second quarter. Franklin played a minor role in the finals series that year, but kicked a goal late in the last quarter of the preliminary final against Adelaide which sealed the game for the Hawks, allowing them to qualify for the grand final against Sydney, where Franklin kicked three goals in a losing side. Franklin was named in the 2012 All-Australian team, his fourth selection and second as centre half-forward.

2013: Second Goal of the Year award and second premiership

[edit]

Franklin kicked 60 goals during the 2013 season, the first time since 2006 that he had kicked less than three goals per game, as he became less of a focal point in the Hawthorn forward line, while teammate Jarryd Roughead enjoyed a career-best season with 72 goals, earning him the Coleman Medal. However, a leap and goal on the run in round 3 against Collingwood earned Franklin his second Goal of the Year.[37]

Franklin played in the 2013 AFL Grand Final in which Hawthorn defeated Fremantle; this was the second time that he had played in a Hawthorn premiership winning side. Despite this, his season was dominated by media speculation over his contract situation, and playing in a second premiership at Hawthorn only strengthened rumours of his impending departure, with many believing that he was set to finish his career at Hawthorn on a high note.[38]

Move to Sydney

[edit]

Before the start of the 2013 season, Franklin, who was in the final year of his four-year contract with Hawthorn at the time, announced that he would not begin talks with Hawthorn about a new contract until the end of the season. Having played for nine seasons at Hawthorn, he was classified as a restricted free agent at the end of the season, meaning that the club could retain Franklin if it was able to match any rival offers.[39] Greater Western Sydney was considered the most likely destination if Franklin was to choose to leave Hawthorn.[40]

On 1 October 2013, after months of speculation dating back to before the start of the season, Greater Western Sydney shocked the football public by announcing that it had withdrawn its offer of $1.2 million per year for six years, saying that the club was of the belief that Franklin was set to sign with the Sydney Swans.[41] The Sydney Swans' chairman, Andrew Ireland, said later that day that the contract offered to Franklin was a nine-year deal worth $10 million, and that Franklin's management first approached Sydney about the move shortly after the 2012 AFL Grand Final, when Franklin played in a losing side against the Swans.[42] The next day, Franklin said that he did not make his decision to move to Sydney "until the last minute". He also said, "I'm looking forward to getting up to Sydney. It's a great footy club and, as I said, I had to pack my bags up at Hawthorn and saying goodbye to the boys is something very tough, and upsetting, too".[43] Franklin's manager at the time, Liam Pickering, also revealed that the nine-year contract was so back-ended that he would be making less money with the Swans in 2014–15 than he was at Hawthorn in 2013.

Franklin officially joined the Sydney Swans on 8 October 2013, a week after the move was first announced, after Hawthorn decided against matching the offer made to the restricted free agent.[44] The next day, Franklin was unveiled by the Swans at the SCG.[45] Later in October, Franklin travelled to Ireland with the Australian International Rules team for the 2013 International Rules Series. It was the first time that Franklin had represented Australia in international rules football, and he managed one over in the first match of the two-test series. Following the first match, he travelled back to Australia for the wedding of his former teammate Brent Guerra, and was unable to participate in the second match.[46]

Sydney (2014–2023)

[edit]

2014: 200th game and third Coleman Medal

[edit]
Franklin at Sydney's fan day following the 2014 AFL Grand Final

Prior to the 2014 season, his first as a Swan, Franklin opted to continue wearing the number 23 guernsey that he previously wore for Hawthorn.[47] He made his debut for the Sydney Swans in the round 1 Sydney Derby against cross-town rivals Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium, and finished the game with one goal in a shock loss. After a slow start for both Franklin and the Swans, when they lost three of their first four matches, Franklin returned to form against Fremantle at the SCG, kicking four second-half goals in what would be the first of a club record-equalling twelve successive wins, during which he twice narrowly avoided suspension. In round 8 against Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium, Franklin kicked seven successive behinds in the first three quarters, before kicking two fourth-quarter goals to seal an upset victory in Franklin's first match against his former side.

Franklin continued his outstanding form throughout the season (despite kicking waywardly in both matches against his former side in Hawthorn, registering 2.7 and 3.5) and went on to win his third Coleman Medal, kicking 67 goals in 19 matches during the home-and-away season. Franklin also played his 200th game during the season, kicking a season-high nine goals in round 19 against St Kilda at the SCG. Franklin was named in the 2014 All-Australian team, his fifth selection and third as full forward; he then went on to finish equal-second with Gary Ablett, Jr. in the 2014 Brownlow Medal count on a career-high 22 votes (the most votes ever polled by a Coleman Medallist), beating the tally of 20 votes he achieved in his other Coleman Medal-winning years of 2008 and 2011. Franklin was one of the Swans' best players throughout the finals series, and kicked four goals in the 2014 AFL Grand Final loss to Hawthorn – his highest ever tally in a grand final.

2015: Injuries and mental illness

[edit]

Franklin began the 2015 season with a solid three-goal performance against Essendon at ANZ Stadium, and continued this form throughout the season. A performance considered particularly impressive was his against Carlton at the SCG in round 9, when he kicked seven goals.[48] He would finish the year with 47 goals from 17 games, missing four of the last seven games due to a back injury.[49] It was the first time since 2006 that he had kicked less than 50 goals or played fewer than 18 games in a season. He then withdrew from playing in the finals series due to a mental illness.[50]

2016: Return to form

[edit]

After making a successful return to football during the pre-season, Franklin returned to his best form, playing in all 26 games across the home-and-away season and finals series. He began the season well, kicking at least four goals in seven of the first eight matches to lead the goalkicking for most of the year. In round 13, he became the thirteenth player in VFL/AFL history, and the first indigenous player, to kick 750 career goals, bringing up the milestone with his first of four goals in a 55-point win over Melbourne at the SCG. Franklin's best game of the season came in round 21 against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, where he recorded an equal personal-best 28 disposals, nine marks and six goals in a 70-point win. He later recorded 17 kicks, eleven marks and seven goals in a 113-point demolition of Richmond at the SCG in round 23; in doing so, Franklin also brought up his 200th goal as a Swan. This took him to 74 goals at the end of the home-and-away season to finish second in the Coleman Medal, six goals behind West Coast Eagles forward and 2015 winner Josh Kennedy.

Franklin was one of the Swans' best players during the finals series, despite only contributing seven goals across the four finals, and was among their best players in the 2016 AFL Grand Final loss to the Western Bulldogs. Franklin was named in the 2016 All-Australian team, his sixth selection and his third as centre half-forward. By season's end, he was the twelfth-highest goalkicker in VFL/AFL history, having overtaken greats such as Wayne Carey, Peter Hudson, Stephen Kernahan, Barry Hall and Kevin Bartlett during the home-and-away season.

2017: Climb to top ten highest goalkickers and fourth Coleman Medal

[edit]
Franklin marking the ball against Richmond in 2017

Franklin played his 250th game in round 3, kicking three behinds in a one-point loss to Collingwood at the SCG. Two weeks later, Franklin kicked his 800th career goal with the last of his three goals in the Swans' 42-point loss to Greater Western Sydney; this was Sydney's fifth of six-straight losses to start the season, which was their worst start to a season since 1993. The Swans' losing streak came to an end when Franklin kicked eight goals in a 54-point win against the Brisbane Lions in round 7. In round 10, for Indigenous Round, Franklin was among a number of players who wore the number 67 on their guernseys to commemorate the 1967 referendum which allowed Indigenous Australians to be counted with the general population in the census.[51] Franklin kicked five goals in the six-point loss to Hawthorn, overtaking Bernie Quinlan to climb into the top ten highest goalkickers in VFL/AFL history. Franklin won the Brett Kirk Medal (along with Callan Ward) as the best player afield in the Swans' Sydney Derby win in round 17, kicking four goals.

In bringing up his 50th goal for the season, against St Kilda in round 18, Franklin brought up 50 goals in a season for the tenth time. He was the first player to achieve this feat since Matthew Lloyd in 2008, and one of only nine players in the history of the game to ever do so; the other eight players had all kicked over 900 goals in their careers. Franklin saved his best performance of the season – and arguably his best for the Swans – for the eve of finals, recording 25 disposals, ten marks and ten goals against Carlton at the SCG in round 23. This was only the second time in Franklin's career that he had kicked ten or more goals, and it took him to 69 goals for the home-and-away season. At the end of the previous round, Franklin had trailed Josh Kennedy, winner of the last two Coleman Medals, by five goals, but the dominant performance saw him eventually finish four goals ahead of Kennedy, sealing Franklin's fourth Coleman Medal; it also continued Franklin's trend of winning a Coleman Medal every three years.[52]

Franklin reasserted his decade-long dominance against Essendon in the elimination final, kicking four goals in a second-quarter burst despite suffering a corked thigh in the first quarter, but was quiet in the semi-final loss to Geelong, kicking three behinds. This marked the earliest exit from a finals series by a team that Franklin has played in (excluding 2015, when he missed the finals series) since 2010. Franklin was named in the 2017 All-Australian team, his seventh selection and his fourth at centre half-forward; it was also the first time that he had achieved consecutive All-Australian selections since 2012, when he had achieved the accolade three years consecutively. Franklin also polled an equal career-high 22 votes in the 2017 Brownlow Medal count, equalling the record number of votes achieved by a Coleman Medallist that he polled in 2014.

2018: Injuries and All-Australian captaincy

[edit]

Franklin opened the 2018 season with his largest opening-round haul of eight goals against West Coast in the first AFL match at Optus Stadium.[53] After missing three weeks with a bruised heel sustained in the opening-round win, Franklin kicked three goals in his return match in round 9 against Fremantle at the SCG, including his 300th goal as a Swan, becoming only the second player after Tony Lockett to kick 300 goals for two clubs.[54] In round 15, Franklin played his 100th game for Sydney, kicking four goals in the loss to Richmond at Etihad Stadium.[55] Two weeks later, Franklin kicked his 900th career goal with the first of his three goals in the six-point win against North Melbourne at the same venue.[56]

After coach John Longmire estimated following the round 19 loss to Essendon that Franklin had only completed twenty minutes' training for the season due to his heel injuries,[57] Franklin played his best game since the opening round in the two-point win against Collingwood at the SCG the following week, kicking six goals.[58] Franklin won his second Brett Kirk Medal as best afield in the Swans' Sydney Derby win in round 22, kicking five goals to overtake Leigh Matthews as the eighth-highest goalkicker in VFL/AFL history,[59] before missing the final home-and-away match with a groin injury.[60]

Franklin was held goalless for only the second time that year in the elimination final loss to Greater Western Sydney as he dealt with a hip problem.[61] His total of 57 goals for the year was his second-lowest in a season since 2006, however he still averaged the most goals per game during the home-and-away season. Franklin was named as captain in the 2018 All-Australian team, which was also his fifth selection at centre half-forward, third in succession and record-equalling eighth overall;[62] this was despite missing four games and hardly being able to train due to injury, which Franklin described as being "frustrating".[63] He later had surgery on his late-season groin injury, keeping him out of training for the rest of the year.[64]

2019: Injuries and 300th game

[edit]

After a slow start to the 2019 season owing largely to an injury-interrupted pre-season,[65][66] Franklin kicked four goals in round 5 against Richmond at Marvel Stadium, overtaking Matthew Lloyd to become the seventh-highest goalkicker in VFL/AFL history.[67][68] He was a late withdrawal the following round due to a left hamstring strain[69] and ended up missing four games with the injury, before being cleared to play in round 10.[70] Franklin was quiet upon his return, kicking three goals from his first two games back, before returning to form in round 12, taking nine marks and kicking five goals against West Coast at the SCG.[71] The following match, his 299th, after kicking four goals in the first two-and-a-half quarters against Hawthorn, Franklin re-injured his left hamstring in the third quarter.[72][73] He ended up missing a further nine matches with the injury before being cleared to play his 300th game in the final home-and-away round of the season against St Kilda, which would also serve as the farewell match for retiring former co-captains Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack;[74][75] he kicked four goals and took ten marks for the match to be among the best afield, as Sydney missed the finals for the first time with Franklin at the club.[76]

In the lead-up to his 300th game, Franklin said he was "very confident" he had plenty of good football left in him despite his injuries, and that he fully intended on seeing out the final three years of his nine-year contract with Sydney; he also said that he had his sights set on reaching the 350-game and 1000-goal milestones in that time, becoming the first player to achieve both.[75] He later joined pre-season training early with the club's first- to fourth-year players,[77] having lost weight in an effort to overcome his injury problems and return to full training ahead of 2020.[78]

2020: Injury-wiped season

[edit]

In January, Franklin underwent an arthroscope on his right knee after experiencing discomfort; the club estimated he would resume full training in ten weeks, placing him in doubt for Sydney's round 1 match against Adelaide.[79] He went on to miss the opening round match[80] before the 2020 season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[81] Franklin was on track to return upon the resumption of the season in June until he suffered a hamstring injury in late May.[82] In August, Franklin was ruled out for the rest of the season after developing groin soreness during his rehabilitation.[83][84][85][86][87]

2021: Return to playing

[edit]

In January, Franklin was "probably only a week off stepping back into the (Swans') full program" before suffering calf tightness;[88][89][90] by March, he had begun to gradually rejoin training, but his return date was still unclear.[91] Franklin made his return in round 2 against the Adelaide Crows. He kicked 3 on the day in front of a crowd of 23,946 and helped the Swans defeat the Crows by 33 points. Franklin was rested for round 3 with John Longmire stating it was part of his training program. The next week Longmire stated Franklin would be in the side for the round 4 clash against Essendon if he got through training without any worries. Franklin kicked 3 goals against Essendon where the Swans won by 3 points. The next week the Swans faced GWS in which he kicked 5 goals in a losing effort where they lost by 2 points. Franklin picked up an injury to his knee and was out for the next 3–4 weeks.

2022: 1,000th career goal

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Fans flooding the Sydney Cricket Ground after Franklin's 1,000th AFL goal in 2022

After kicking one goal in round 1 of the 2022 season, Franklin kicked four goals in Sydney's win over Geelong in round 2, becoming the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to kick 1,000 career goals in the process.[92][93] The Swans ultimately qualified for the 2022 AFL Grand Final (also against Geelong), and in the week leading up to the Grand Final, Franklin announced that he had re-signed for one more year, extending his career into 2023.[94] However, it was not meant to be for Franklin, who was restricted to 5 disposals that day.

2023: Retirement

[edit]

After injuring his calf in Sydney's round 20 win over Essendon, Franklin announced his retirement from the AFL.[95] He was feted in the Swans' final home and away match of the season with a lap of honour at the half time break.[96]

Statistics

[edit]
Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
  #  
 Played in that season's 
premiership team
  †  
 Led the league for 
the season
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game) Votes
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2005 Hawthorn 38 20 21 13 140 73 213 75 39 1.1 0.7 7.0 3.7 10.7 3.8 2.0 1
2006 Hawthorn 23 14 31 9 98 58 156 52 25 2.2 0.6 7.0 4.1 11.1 3.7 1.8 5
2007 Hawthorn 23 22 73 62† 201 92 293 123 49 3.3 2.8† 9.1 4.2 13.3 5.6 2.2 5
2008# Hawthorn 23 25 113† 88† 308 75 383 158 50 4.5† 3.5† 12.3 3.0 15.3 6.3 2.0 20
2009 Hawthorn 23 21 67 46 187 129 316 109 48 3.2 2.2 8.9 6.1 15.0 5.2 2.3 4
2010 Hawthorn 23 18 64 42 205 115 320 99 68 3.6† 2.3† 11.4 6.4 17.8 5.5 3.8 10
2011 Hawthorn 23 22 82† 61† 250 151 401 130 73 3.7† 2.8† 11.4 6.9 18.2 5.9 3.3 20
2012 Hawthorn 23 19 69† 64† 250 100 350 111 71 3.6† 3.4† 13.2 5.3 18.4 5.8 3.7 12
2013# Hawthorn 23 21 60 37 214 115 329 86 52 2.9 1.8 10.2 5.5 15.7 4.1 2.5 5
2014 Sydney 23 22 79† 51† 267 100 367 139 67 3.6† 2.3† 12.1 4.5 16.7 6.3 3.0 22
2015 Sydney 23 17 47 29 192 58 250 83 49 2.8 1.7 11.3 3.4 14.7 4.9 2.3 8
2016 Sydney 23 26 81 54† 321 136 457 155 68 3.1 2.1† 12.3 5.2 17.6 6.0 2.6 17
2017 Sydney 23 24 73† 60† 316 89 405 158 55 3.0 2.5 13.2 3.7 16.9 6.6 2.3 22
2018 Sydney 23 19 57 43† 241 47 288 127 38 3.0 2.3 12.7 2.5 15.2 6.7 2.0 16
2019 Sydney 23 10 27 18 96 21 117 55 16 2.7 1.8 9.6 2.1 11.7 5.5 1.6 3
2020 Sydney 23 0 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 0
2021 Sydney 23 18 51 24 157 56 213 81 46 2.8 1.3 8.7 3.1 11.8 4.5 2.6 8
2022 Sydney 23 23 52 28 206 58 264 116 46 2.3 1.2 9.0 2.5 11.5 5.0 2.0 8
2023 Sydney 23 13 19 13 84 38 122 53 29 1.5 1.0 6.5 2.9 9.4 4.1 2.2 0
Career[97] 354 1066 742 3733 1511 5244 1910 889 3.0 2.1 10.5 4.3 14.8 5.4 2.5 186

Personal life

[edit]
Tattoos dedicated to Franklin's indigenous heritage

Franklin has a variety of tattoos dedicated to his Indigenous heritage.[98] He has been open about his struggles with depression, partly in an effort to destigmatise the mental illness among Australian men, particularly in the AFL.[99]

In 2009, Franklin appeared alongside other AFL footballers in an AFL television advertisement titled "AFL: In a League of its Own", which featured prominent AFL players playing Australian rules football at famous sporting venues around the world, and in the middle of other sports being played, including basketball, Association football and American football. In the advertisement, Franklin marks the ball from a Daniel Wells kick, and after fending off two Essendon defenders, kicks a goal.[100]

Franklin married former Miss Universe Australia model and Nine Network presenter Jesinta Campbell on 4 November 2016.[101] They have a daughter[102][103][104] and son together.[105][106][107] Following retirement from his football career in 2023, Franklin settled on the Gold Coast with his family and works in an ambassadorial role for the AFL in Queensland.[108]

Honours and achievements

[edit]

Team

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Cordy, Neil (28 May 2014). "Lance Franklin needs one goal for 600 in his career but could kick many more". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  2. ^ Clark, Jackson (5 May 2016). "Is Buddy one of the all time greats?". The Roar. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  3. ^ Warren, Adrian (3 April 2017). "Lance Franklin should be considered one of the greats, says John Longmire". The Age. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  4. ^ Davies, Will (3 April 2017). "Is Buddy Franklin the greatest Aboriginal footballer in history?". National Indigenous Television. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  5. ^ Niall, Jake (31 March 2018). "Buddy Franklin underrated? We're serious". The Age. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  6. ^ Hinds, Richard (9 April 2018). "The deal seemed preposterous, but the Swans are getting value for money from Buddy Franklin". ABC News. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  7. ^ Waterworth, Ben (15 July 2018). "Most AFL goals kicked: Lance Franklin joins 900 club — and could soon join 1000 club". Fox Sports. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  8. ^ Duo's tribute to moment in time
  9. ^ McClure, Geoff (19 April 2005). "Why Hawks are sold on Franklin". The Age. Melbourne, Australia. Retrieved 23 April 2008.
  10. ^ a b WA's AFL pinup boy Buddy Franklin is the new Beckham
  11. ^ "Buddy Franklin talks footy and the spotlight". The Age. 4 June 2009. Archived from the original on 13 September 2014.
  12. ^ Kickett finishes a Swan Sydney Swans Media, 31 May 2018
  13. ^ "Mike & Dan with Jeff Garlett". carltonfc.com.au. 5 March 2009. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  14. ^ Lance Franklin Archived 9 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine – WAFLOnline. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  15. ^ Gordon, Harry; Gordon, Michael (2009). One For All-The Story of the Hawthorn Football Club. Melbourne: Wilkinson Publishing. p. 350. ISBN 978-1-921332-83-8.
  16. ^ "Hawks edge out Crows in final-term flurry". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 8 September 2007. Retrieved 25 June 2010.
  17. ^ Lovett, Michael (2008). AFL Record Season Guide 2008. Geoff Slattery Publishing. p. 168. ISBN 978-0-9803466-5-7.
  18. ^ "Buddy's nine simply payback: Hawks". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 7 June 2008. Archived from the original on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  19. ^ "Lance 'Buddy' Franklin boots 100 AFL goals". Herald Sun. Australia. 20 August 2008. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  20. ^ "Franklin wins Peter Crimmins Medal". Fox Sports. 4 October 2008. Archived from the original on 20 October 2009.
  21. ^ Baker, Tim (19 May 2009). "Drinks With Leigh Mathews". Inside Sport (May 2009). Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  22. ^ Stubbs, Brett (12 June 2009). "Struggling Hawthorn star Lance Franklin confident he's back to his best". The Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011.
  23. ^ Pierik, Jon (10 August 2009). "Hawks eye open door". Sportal. Archived from the original on 12 August 2009.
  24. ^ Woods, Melissa (24 August 2009). "Lance Franklin hit with suspension for Ben Cousins bump". Perth Now. Archived from the original on 31 March 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  25. ^ Tullberg, Julie (27 August 2009). "Lance Franklin's ban to stand". The Herald Sun. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  26. ^ Blake, Martin (24 May 2010). "Franklin unstoppable as Hawks rediscover old magic". The Age. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
  27. ^ "Lance Frankin stars in Hawks' thrilling win over Essendon". The Herald Sun. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 19 June 2010.
  28. ^ "Alastair Clarkson stoked at freak show". The Herald Sun. 19 June 2010. Retrieved 19 June 2010.
  29. ^ "Hawks outlast Bombers". afl.com.au. 18 June 2010. Archived from the original on 20 June 2010. Retrieved 19 June 2010.
  30. ^ Rielly, Stephen (19 June 2010). "Lance Franklin's five snuffs out Essendon". The Australian. Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2010.
  31. ^ "Hawks and Saints draw". AFL. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  32. ^ "Hawks overrun Pies in a thriller". Hawthorn Football Club. 28 August 2010. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
  33. ^ Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says wasteful forward Lance Franklin is ready to 'tear a game apart'
  34. ^ Barbieri, Paul (2 June 2012). "Buddy snags 13 as Hawks crush Roos". Sportal. Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  35. ^ Mark, Macgugan (8 July 2012). "Buddy gets his 500th".[dead link‍]
  36. ^ Landsberger, Sam (18 July 2012). "Hawthorn says Buddy Franklin won't line up against Collingwood". Herald Sun.
  37. ^ Macgugan, Mark (28 September 2013). "Buddy's bonus: Watch the 2013 mark and goal of the year". AFL.com.au. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  38. ^ Niall, Jake (30 September 2013). "Hawks' flag built on grand designs". The Age. Melbourne.
  39. ^ Robinson, Mark; Timms, Daryl (2 February 2013). "Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin insists he will not discuss a new contract until end of AFL season". News Limited.
  40. ^ Niall, Jake (26 July 2013). "Moves hang on Buddy's decision". The Age. Melbourne.
  41. ^ Clark, Jay (1 October 2013). "Hawthorn star Lance Franklin set to join Sydney Swans after GWS withdraws offer". Daily Telegraph.
  42. ^ "Franklin approached Swans: Ireland". Australian Football League. 2 October 2013.
  43. ^ Reed, Jacqui (2 October 2013). "My mind wasn't made up: Franklin". Australian Football League.
  44. ^ Ralph, Jon (9 October 2013). "Hawthorn has let Lance Franklin become a Sydney Swan with the AFL approving the mega deal". Herald Sun. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  45. ^ Cordy, Neil (10 October 2013). "Lance Franklin confident he can play for nine years at Sydney". NEWS.com.au.
  46. ^ Warner, Michael (8 October 2013). "Lance Franklin to miss the second International Rules Test match against Ireland". Herald Sun.
  47. ^ Paolucci, Tanya (9 December 2013). "2014 Guernsey numbers revealred". sydneyswans.com.au.
  48. ^ Jackson, Russell (29 May 2015). "AFL: Sydney Swans v Carlton – as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
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  50. ^ Otto, Tyson (17 September 2015). "The rumours swirling about Swans star Lance Franklin have angered his club".
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  55. ^ Bowen, Nick (28 June 2018). "Match report: Tigers win top of table thriller". afl.com.au. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
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  57. ^ McGowan, Marc (28 July 2018). "Swans need 'to put parachute up', and quickly". afl.com.au. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
  58. ^ Curley, Adam (4 August 2018). "Match report: Brilliant Buddy inspires Swans". afl.com.au. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
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  61. ^ Whiting, Michael (8 September 2018). "Swans look forward to something more than Buddy". afl.com.au. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
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  67. ^ McGowan, Marc (20 April 2019). "Tigers bare their teeth with a strong win over Swans". afl.com.au. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  68. ^ Healy, Jonathan (20 April 2019). "928 goals and counting: Buddy goes past Lloyd". afl.com.au. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  69. ^ Healy, Jonathan (27 April 2019). "Buddy could face Lions after 'very minor' hamstring strain". afl.com.au. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  70. ^ Curley, Adam (23 May 2019). "Look out, Pies: Superstar Swan set to return on Friday night". afl.com.au. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
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  73. ^ Curley, Adam (24 June 2019). "Swans won't put sore Bud in cotton wool despite hammy woes". afl.com.au. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  74. ^ Curley, Adam (20 August 2019). "UPDATE: Buddy's 300th is go, Swans' farewell extravaganza on track". afl.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  75. ^ a b Curley, Adam (22 August 2019). "Buddy 'very confident' he can get back to his best and play out final three years". afl.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
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  77. ^ Gaskin, Lee (4 November 2019). "Swans shake up coaching panel as Buddy comes back early". afl.com.au. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
  78. ^ Curley, Adam (18 November 2019). "Who is this skinny kid called Lance? Bud light, popular Pap close to PB". afl.com.au. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
  79. ^ Canil, Jourdan (8 January 2020). "Buddy blow: Superstar Swan undergoes knee surgery". afl.com.au. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
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  81. ^ Hytner, Mike (22 March 2020). "AFL suspends season and cancels AFLW amid coronavirus crisis". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
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  83. ^ Cleary, Mitch (23 August 2020). "Buddy done: Swans put line through sore superstar's season". afl.com.au. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  84. ^ Laughton, Max (23 August 2020). "Lance Franklin to end up missing a year after Sydney Swans shut down return plan". Fox Sports (Australia). Retrieved 23 August 2020.
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  86. ^ "Sydney Swans rule Lance Franklin out of remainder of 2020 AFL season". ABC News (Australia). 23 August 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
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  89. ^ Balmer, Matt (1 February 2021). "Sydney Swans superstar suffers ANOTHER injury setback". Fox Sports (Australia). Retrieved 3 February 2021.
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  92. ^ Gabelich, Josh (25 March 2022). "Buddy magnificent! Franklin reaches 1000 as Swans down Cats". afl.com.au. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  93. ^ Australian Associated Press (25 March 2022). "HE'S BUDDY DONE IT: Lance Franklin hits 1000-goal milestone". afl.com.au. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  94. ^ "'One more': Buddy to finish incredible career with Swans". afl.com.au. 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  95. ^ Smith, Martin (31 July 2023). "Bye bye, Buddy: Lance Franklin announces his retirement". afl.com.au. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  96. ^ "Buddy love flows as legend does one last lap of honour". AFL. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  97. ^ "Lance Franklin". AFL Tables. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  98. ^ AFL SuperCoach, This Is AFL (30 May 2011). "Top 5 AFL Tattoos". This Is AFL. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
  99. ^ Lane, Samantha (26 March 2016). "I'm glad I shared my mental health struggle, says Buddy Franklin". The Age. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
  100. ^ "AFL Commercial 2009 - In A League Of It's [sic] Own - HD". YouTube. ALZ. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  101. ^ Ryan, Peter (5 November 2016). "Mr and Mrs Buddy Franklin: Swans star and fiancée tie the knot". AFL.com.au. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  102. ^ Snowden, Angelica (25 February 2020). "Buddy and Jesinta Franklin announce arrival of healthy baby girl". The Australian. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  103. ^ "Baby Buddy: Jesinta and Lance Franklin welcome their first child Tallulah". Fox Sports (Australia). 25 February 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  104. ^ Mazza, Emilia (25 February 2020). "Jesinta Franklin gives birth to first child with husband Buddy". News.com.au. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  105. ^ Pegan, Martin (24 March 2021). "Buddy's baby joy could spark father-son tussle for Swans, Hawks". afl.com.au. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  106. ^ Polson, James (24 March 2021). "Swans superstar Buddy and Jesinta Franklin welcome baby boy". The Age. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  107. ^ "Lance and Jesinta Franklin welcome baby boy for couple's second child". Perth Now. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  108. ^ Reid, Andrew (14 August 2024). "Buddy Franklin lands new role with AFL in first big move since Sydney Swans retirement". Yahoo Sport. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
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