Lance Franklin announces retirement from football

Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross Published July 31, 2023 at 12.10pm (AWST)

Lance Franklin has announced his retirement from football, bringing an end to one of the most storied careers the game has seen.

On Monday, the 36-year-old informed his teammates of the decision, brought on by sustaining a calf injury mid-way through his side's two-point win over Essendon on Saturday.

Franklin confirmed the news online.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Buddy Franklin (@buddy_franklin23)

The Swans are set to hold a press conference at 3pm.

Earlier this year, Franklin moved to fourth on the all-time VFL/AFL goal kicking tally, and with his 351st game moved to third on the all-time list for career games by an Indigenous player - trailing only Shaun Burgoyne and Adam Goodes.

Last year, Buddy became the sixth man to reach 1000 career goals.

In the final home-and-away game of 2008, Franklin booted his 100th goal for the season, likely putting an end to one of footy's great traditions, with Hawthorn fans storming the Docklands stadium turf to surround the then-21-year-old.

Franklin lifted the premiership trophy with the Hawks later that year before clinching a second in 2013.

He would play his first of three grand finals with Sydney against his former side the following year, but fell desperately short of further premiership honours on each occasion at his second club.

Franklin has played 354 career games, split almost evenly between Hawthorn and Sydney, since his debut in 2005.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.