AFL legend Lance 'Buddy' Franklin has announced a remarkable return to the football field, revealing he will play a game for his childhood club in Western Australia nearly three years after retiring from professional Australian Rules football.
Return to Roots
The Sydney Swans and Hawthorn icon confirmed he will lace up his boots once more to represent the Dowerin Tigers, the club where his football journey began as a six-year-old. Franklin made the announcement on his Buddy & Shane Show podcast, which he co-hosts with former Hawks teammate Shane Crawford.
'I'm going to be going back to my junior football club back in WA,' Franklin declared. 'I'm really excited about this, I never thought I'd get the opportunity to play for my junior football club. But it's popped up, this opportunity... I think it's definitely going to bring back a lot of memories.'
Charity Mission
The special appearance carries significant purpose beyond nostalgia. Franklin emphasized that the match represents a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community that nurtured his early career.
'This is for the town itself, too – giving back. We're going to raise $300,000,' the football great explained, highlighting the charitable dimension of his return to the field.
Emotional Retirement
Franklin's announcement comes after his emotional farewell from the AFL in August 2023, when he completed a heartfelt lap of honour at the Sydney Cricket Ground surrounded by family. The Swans faithful cheered passionately as Franklin walked the SCG boundary with wife Jesinta, daughter Tallulah, and son Rocky, with both Franklin and his wife visibly moved by the tributes.
Reflecting on that moment during a Channel 7 interview with former teammate Shaun Burgoyne, Franklin described feeling 'pretty overwhelmed' by the raucous response from packed stands.
'Lot of happiness, a little bit of sadness, but it's all come to an end,' he acknowledged. 'I feel incredibly honoured to have played this great game for 19 years. Coming from the bush in Western Australia, probably never thought this was possible. To play 19 years at two great clubs, I'm incredibly proud.'
Career Legacy
The 39-year-old established himself as one of Australian football's all-time greats during his illustrious career:
- Played 354 AFL matches across two clubs
- Kicked 1,066 career goals
- Represented both Hawthorn and Sydney Swans
- Retired after 19 professional seasons
What He'll Miss
When asked what aspects of professional football he would miss most following retirement, Franklin pointed to the camaraderie and daily routines that defined his nearly two decades in the sport.
'Probably the banter in the changerooms, that day-to-day stuff,' he reflected. 'That's what I'll miss the most. Competing, being out here. Just playing footy, I'm going to miss that. I feel very blessed to have played this great game for so long.'
Franklin expressed gratitude for the relationships forged throughout his career, noting 'I've met some amazing people through my journey' while thanking fans for their unwavering support during his final professional appearance.
The upcoming match for Dowerin Tigers represents not just a nostalgic homecoming but a purposeful return that combines Franklin's football legacy with community philanthropy, bringing the champion full circle to where his remarkable journey began.
