End of an era: Celebrating AFL Champion Lance Franklin after injury cuts his successful career short
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It’s hard to summarise in words what a champion sportsperson Lance 'Buddy' Franklin has been for the AFL.
It seems like just yesterday that he was tearing up the field with his athleticism and winning our hearts with his incredible feats.
However, with a post on his Instagram page, the champion has sadly announced the end of his legendary footy career.
As we mourn the sudden end of Buddy's glittering career, it's fitting that we take a moment to remember the highs and lows of this remarkable sportsman's journey.
Franklin's story is one of extraordinary talent, and he was a beloved figure who generated buzz in every fixture he played.
The AFL champion, who stands tall among the pantheon of the sport's greats, delivered a sombre announcement himself with a heartfelt message on the official Sydney Swans Instagram account, saying: ‘What a journey. Thanks to everyone who has been on this crazy ride with me.’
The social media post provided a snapshot of Franklin's AFL journey, featuring two significant figures in his career: John Longmire and Alastair Clarkson, his most trusted coaches.
Think back to 2013, when Franklin surprised the sporting community by switching allegiances from a super-charged Hawthorn team, then led by Alastair Clarkson, to the Sydney Swans, a move that created many headlines.
What was it worth? A cool multi-million-dollar, nine-year deal.
In his tenure at Sydney, Buddy became an icon, a spectacle that caught the eyes of even the most indifferent sporting fan. While he didn't win a premiership for the Sydney Swans, he was still a sensation attracting audiences inside stadiums and in front of screens across the nation.
In early 2022, Buddy was the talk of the town when he achieved a milestone considered mythical by some: Kicking his 1,000th AFL goal, a feat worthy of the fullest acclamation.
The tributes poured in as thousands of fans stormed the ground, sharing the euphoria as if each one had personally kicked the goal.
There are countless highlights and breathtaking moments from Buddy's career; however, one stands above the rest–a running goal against Essendon back in 2010 (with Cale Hooker in pursuit) remains a classic AFL moment.
In an ironic twist of fate, his final AFL game will be against the Bombers—the team observers say he always goes all out against.
Unfortunately, all good things must end, even for someone like Franklin, who seemed to defy time. His final match was marked not by a legendary exhibit of football prowess but by a gut-wrenching exit during the second quarter due to a saddening calf injury.
Agony was everywhere—on his face, on the bench where he sat after getting subbed out, and on the field, marked by his teammates' noticeably subdued demeanour.
Although Sydney pulled off a thrilling two-point victory over the Bombers, the champion's injury marred the celebration.
Before the Essendon game, Buddy had been in good form, too.
He was one of Sydney’s best in the win over Fremantle, booting three goals and marking strongly. He also shone in the Swans' victory against the Bulldogs, which led to media speculation on the veteran’s potential to play beyond the season.
The footy legend’s retirement leaves the AFL world poorer.
Although he leaves the sports world as a dual premiership player, an eight-time All-Australian, and a four-time Coleman Medallist, there’s no doubt he is a testament to his supreme command over the game.
He stands proud in AFL/VFL's all-time goal-kicking table with 1066 career goals, a remarkable feat considering the tactical focus on defending and neutralising forwards like him.
Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley paid his tribute and said: ‘Lance is an icon of the AFL and will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play this game.’
He continued: ‘[He] has that rare ability to transcend footy and has brought so much joy to fans for more than a decade now.’
‘He is a champion and will leave a lasting legacy, not only at the Sydney Swans but within the AFL and broader community. We wish him, Jesinta, Tallulah and Rocky all the very best for the future. They will always hold a close place in the heart of our club.’
Do you watch AFL games? Was Buddy among your favourite footy players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
It seems like just yesterday that he was tearing up the field with his athleticism and winning our hearts with his incredible feats.
However, with a post on his Instagram page, the champion has sadly announced the end of his legendary footy career.
As we mourn the sudden end of Buddy's glittering career, it's fitting that we take a moment to remember the highs and lows of this remarkable sportsman's journey.
Franklin's story is one of extraordinary talent, and he was a beloved figure who generated buzz in every fixture he played.
AFL superstar Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin ends his remarkable career. Credit: Sydneyswans/Instagram
The AFL champion, who stands tall among the pantheon of the sport's greats, delivered a sombre announcement himself with a heartfelt message on the official Sydney Swans Instagram account, saying: ‘What a journey. Thanks to everyone who has been on this crazy ride with me.’
The social media post provided a snapshot of Franklin's AFL journey, featuring two significant figures in his career: John Longmire and Alastair Clarkson, his most trusted coaches.
Think back to 2013, when Franklin surprised the sporting community by switching allegiances from a super-charged Hawthorn team, then led by Alastair Clarkson, to the Sydney Swans, a move that created many headlines.
What was it worth? A cool multi-million-dollar, nine-year deal.
Many believe Lance Franklin will go down in history as one of the all-time greats in the AFL. Credit: Shutterstock
In his tenure at Sydney, Buddy became an icon, a spectacle that caught the eyes of even the most indifferent sporting fan. While he didn't win a premiership for the Sydney Swans, he was still a sensation attracting audiences inside stadiums and in front of screens across the nation.
In early 2022, Buddy was the talk of the town when he achieved a milestone considered mythical by some: Kicking his 1,000th AFL goal, a feat worthy of the fullest acclamation.
The tributes poured in as thousands of fans stormed the ground, sharing the euphoria as if each one had personally kicked the goal.
There are countless highlights and breathtaking moments from Buddy's career; however, one stands above the rest–a running goal against Essendon back in 2010 (with Cale Hooker in pursuit) remains a classic AFL moment.
In an ironic twist of fate, his final AFL game will be against the Bombers—the team observers say he always goes all out against.
Unfortunately, all good things must end, even for someone like Franklin, who seemed to defy time. His final match was marked not by a legendary exhibit of football prowess but by a gut-wrenching exit during the second quarter due to a saddening calf injury.
Agony was everywhere—on his face, on the bench where he sat after getting subbed out, and on the field, marked by his teammates' noticeably subdued demeanour.
Although Sydney pulled off a thrilling two-point victory over the Bombers, the champion's injury marred the celebration.
Before the Essendon game, Buddy had been in good form, too.
He was one of Sydney’s best in the win over Fremantle, booting three goals and marking strongly. He also shone in the Swans' victory against the Bulldogs, which led to media speculation on the veteran’s potential to play beyond the season.
The footy legend’s retirement leaves the AFL world poorer.
Although he leaves the sports world as a dual premiership player, an eight-time All-Australian, and a four-time Coleman Medallist, there’s no doubt he is a testament to his supreme command over the game.
He stands proud in AFL/VFL's all-time goal-kicking table with 1066 career goals, a remarkable feat considering the tactical focus on defending and neutralising forwards like him.
Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley paid his tribute and said: ‘Lance is an icon of the AFL and will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play this game.’
He continued: ‘[He] has that rare ability to transcend footy and has brought so much joy to fans for more than a decade now.’
‘He is a champion and will leave a lasting legacy, not only at the Sydney Swans but within the AFL and broader community. We wish him, Jesinta, Tallulah and Rocky all the very best for the future. They will always hold a close place in the heart of our club.’
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