Swans set to say ‘Thanks Buddy’ to retired champion Franklin

Callan Morse Published August 18, 2023 at 3.00pm (AWST)

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The Sydney Swans will farewell retiring forward Lance 'Buddy' Franklin as part of the Swans' Member Thank You Round. (Image: Darrian Traynor/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The Sydney Swans have announced fans of the recently retired Lance 'Buddy' Franklin will have the opportunity to farewell the champion forward during the Swans final fixture of the home and away season.

Franklin will return to the SCG to complete a lap of honour at half-time in Sydney's round 24 match against the Melbourne Demons on Sunday, August 27, part of the Swans Member Thank You Round.

The event presents as chance for fans to celebrate Franklin's illustrious 354-game, 19-season career, where he kicked 1066 goals, 486 whilst in the Swans' red and white.

In addition to the planned lap of honour, a Thanks Buddy wall will be erected outside Sydney Swans HQ for fans to write a congratulatory message to the eight-time All Australian.

Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said it's fitting fans will have the chance to farewell Franklin after 172 games for the Swans.

"Lance will go down as one of our club's greatest players and we think Member Thank You Round is the perfect opportunity for him to thank our members and fans as we pay tribute to him," Harley said.

"For almost 20 years we've been able to witness something special whenever Lance took to the field, and we expect this occasion will be another one of those special moments."

Past Sydney Swans who played alongside Franklin will attend the game, while there will be a select range of Thanks Buddy merchandise available to purchase at Swanshop outlets at the SCG.

The Swans are currently seventh on the AFL ladder having one their last five fixtures, with Harley anticipating a strong showing of Swans fans for the final match of the season against the Demons, who currently sit fourth.

"I would encourage our members and fans to secure their seat now – we're fortunate to be pushing towards 65,000 members this year, so we know there will be plenty of Swans fans eager to be at the game," he said.

Franklin announced his retirement from AFL football just days after injuring his calf in the Swans' round 20 clash with Essendon.

The match will also be an opportunity for fans to pay tribute to fellow Swans retiree Paddy McCartin, who announced on Monday he will step away from the game.