Buddy Franklin Announces Football Comeback for Charity Fundraiser
AFL icon Lance 'Buddy' Franklin is poised to make a sensational return to the football field for the first time since his retirement from professional AFL at the end of the 2023 season. The 39-year-old superstar, whose career was abruptly cut short by a calf injury in late July 2023 that sidelined him from the Sydney Swans' finals campaign, has been diligently working on his fitness in recent months.
From Marathons to the Footy Field
Franklin has significantly stepped up his physical conditioning, successfully completing multiple half-marathons and even conquering the New York Marathon in November of last year. This impressive fitness regimen has paved the way for his upcoming return to competitive play. In an exciting revelation on his podcast with former teammate Shane Crawford, Franklin confirmed he will be lacing up his boots once again.
"I'm going to be going back to my junior football club back in WA, Dowerin Football Club," Franklin enthusiastically shared. "I'm going to go back there and play a game. 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'm really excited to get back there and have a game."
Crawford responded with equal excitement, exclaiming, "This is huge. So Buddy Franklin's making a comeback!"
A Noble Cause: Fundraising for Community Lighting
Franklin's return is not just a personal milestone but also serves a greater purpose. The game is part of a dedicated fundraiser aimed at installing new lighting at Dowerin's home ground, with a target of raising $300,000. Reflecting on the significance, Franklin noted, "I think it's definitely going to bring back a lot of memories. Obviously started there when I was six years of age. This is for the town itself, too, giving back."
He will not be alone in this endeavor. Joining him on the field will be WAFL premiership player Tom Lee, who was drafted by Adelaide and later played 17 games for St Kilda in the mid-2010s, adding further star power to the event.
Celebrating a Legendary AFL Career
Franklin's retirement in 2023 marked the end of one of the most illustrious careers in AFL history. Over 354 games with Hawthorn and Sydney, he amassed an astonishing 1,066 goals, solidifying his status as a true great of the sport. His accolades include four Coleman Medals as the league's leading goalkicker and eight All-Australian selections, tying him for the most in VFL/AFL history.
Among his many career highlights, perhaps the most memorable was becoming just the sixth player ever to reach the 1,000-goal milestone, a feat that many believe may never be replicated. Iconic moments, such as his famous running goal against Essendon in 2010 with Cale Hooker in pursuit, continue to be replayed as treasured memories in AFL lore.
As the much-loved icon prepares to step back onto the footy field next month, fans and the community alike are eagerly anticipating what new highlights he might add to his already legendary reel in this charitable comeback.
