Lance Franklin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lance Franklin
Franklin playing for Sydney in 2017
Personal information
Full name	Lance Franklin
Nickname(s)	Buddy
Date of birth	(1987-01-30) 30 January 1987 (age 38)
Place of birth	Perth, Western Australia
Original team	Perth (WAFL)
Draft	No. 5, 2004 national draft
Debut	Round 1, 2005, Hawthorn v. Sydney, at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Position(s)	Key forward
Career highlights
2× AFL premiership player: 2008, 2013 8× All-Australian team: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 (c) 4× Coleman Medal: 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 Peter Crimmins Medal: 2008 6× Hawthorn leading goalkicker: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 7× Sydney leading goalkicker: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 3× Brett Kirk Medal: 2017 (game 2), 2018 (game 2), 2021 (game 1) 2× Goodes–O'Loughlin Medal: 2017, 2022 2× AFL Goal of the Year: 2010, 2013 AFL Rising Star nominee: 2005

Lance Franklin (born 30 January 1987), often called Buddy Franklin, is a retired professional Australian rules footballer. He played in the Australian Football League (AFL) for the Hawthorn Football Club (2005–2013) and the Sydney Swans (2014–2023). Many people consider him one of the greatest forwards of his time and one of the best players ever.

Franklin kicked an amazing 1,066 goals during his career, which is the fourth-highest in VFL/AFL history! He was his club's top goalkicker 13 times (six for Hawthorn and seven for Sydney). He also kicked at least 50 goals in a season 13 times. He was chosen for the All-Australian team eight times and won four Coleman Medals, which is given to the league's leading goalkicker. In 2008, he kicked a huge 113 goals for Hawthorn.

He won two AFL championships (called premierships) with Hawthorn in 2008 and 2013. He also won the Peter Crimmins Medal in 2008, which is Hawthorn's best-and-fairest award. Franklin won the AFL Goal of the Year award twice, in 2010 and 2013. After his second premiership, he moved to the Sydney Swans. He continued to achieve great things, reaching 300 games in 2019 and 1,000 goals in 2022.

Early Life and Junior Football

Lance Franklin was born in Perth, Western Australia. He comes from an Indigenous Australian family, specifically the Noongar-Wajuk people. Growing up, he supported the Melbourne Football Club.

When he was 15, Franklin received a sports scholarship. He went to Wesley College in Perth. In 2004, he played one senior game for the Perth Football Club, scoring one goal. He also represented Western Australia in the 2004 AFL Under 18 Championships.

AFL Career Highlights

Playing for Hawthorn (2005–2013)

First Season in 2005

Hawthorn chose Franklin with their fifth pick in the 2004 AFL Draft. He made his first appearance in an AFL game in 2005. This was in Round 1 against Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He showed great skill as a forward, kicking 21 goals in 20 games that year.

Promising Signs in 2006

Franklin had some injuries early in 2006, hurting his ankle and hand. He worked his way back to the senior team through the VFL. In Round 12, he kicked six goals against Richmond, which was a standout game for him. He signed a new two-year deal to stay with Hawthorn.

Breakout Season in 2007

In 2007, Franklin had a fantastic year, finishing with 63 goals. He kicked a career-high nine goals against Essendon in Round 6. In a finals game against the Adelaide Crows, he kicked seven goals. One of these was the winning goal with only seven seconds left! He became Hawthorn's leading goalkicker for the first time.

113 Goals and First Premiership in 2008

Fans celebrate after Franklin kicked his 100th goal in 2008.

The year 2008 was one of Franklin's best. He became one of the league's top players. He won his first Coleman Medal by kicking 102 goals in the regular season. He kicked nine goals against Essendon in Round 11.

In Round 22, Franklin kicked his 100th goal for the season against Carlton. He was the first player since 1998 to kick 100 goals in a season. When he reached this milestone, thousands of fans rushed onto the field to celebrate with him. He was also the first Aboriginal player to achieve this. He ended the season with 113 goals. Hawthorn went on to win the premiership (championship) that year. Franklin was named a full forward in the 2008 All-Australian team. He also won the Peter Crimmins Medal for his amazing season.

Franklin’s a physical freak. He’s probably the player I most enjoy going to watch.

Injuries and 100th Game in 2009

Franklin missed some games in 2009 due to thumb and shoulder surgery. His performance wasn't as strong as in 2008. He played his 100th game in Round 19. During that game, one of his front teeth was knocked out! He was also suspended for two matches later in the season for a bump on an opponent.

Suspensions and First Goal of the Year in 2010

Franklin missed three of the first seven games in 2010 because of suspensions. However, he showed his best form in Round 9 against Carlton, kicking five goals. In Round 13, he kicked a spectacular goal from the boundary line after running from half-back. This goal was later chosen as the Goal of the Year. He was named a centre half-forward in the 2010 All-Australian team.

Second Coleman Medal in 2011

Franklin kicking for goal against Port Adelaide in 2011.

Franklin had a very consistent year in 2011. In Round 8, he kicked his 400th goal for Hawthorn. He continued to kick goals regularly, including eight goals in a huge win against Port Adelaide. He won his second Coleman Medal that year with 71 goals.

In the finals, he suffered a knee injury but still managed to play. He was a constant threat, even when playing with a virus. Franklin was named in the 2011 All-Australian team, his third selection.

Thirteen-Goal Game and 500th Goal in 2012

Franklin started 2012 with some inaccurate kicking. But in Round 10, he kicked a career-high thirteen goals in a big win against North Melbourne. He also reached the milestone of 500 career goals in Round 15. He was the second Indigenous player and the fifth Hawthorn player to achieve this. Despite a hamstring injury and illness, he played in the Grand Final, where Hawthorn lost. He was named in the 2012 All-Australian team.

Second Goal of the Year and Second Premiership in 2013

In 2013, Franklin kicked 60 goals. He was less of the main focus in Hawthorn's forward line as his teammate Jarryd Roughead had a great season. However, Franklin won his second Goal of the Year award for an amazing leap and goal in Round 3.

Franklin played in the 2013 AFL Grand Final where Hawthorn defeated Fremantle. This was his second premiership win with Hawthorn. Throughout the season, there was much talk about whether he would stay with the club.

Move to Sydney Swans

Before the 2013 season, Franklin said he wouldn't discuss a new contract until the end of the year. He was a "restricted free agent," meaning Hawthorn could try to keep him if another club made an offer.

On 1 October 2013, it was announced that Franklin would likely sign with the Sydney Swans. The Swans offered him a nine-year deal worth $10 million. Franklin said he made his decision at the "last minute" and was excited to move to Sydney. Hawthorn decided not to match the offer, so Franklin officially joined the Swans on 8 October 2013.

Playing for Sydney (2014–2023)

200th Game and Third Coleman Medal in 2014

Franklin at a Sydney Swans fan day in 2014.

In his first season with the Swans in 2014, Franklin kept his number 23 jersey. After a slow start for the team, Franklin found his form. In Round 8, he played against his old team, Hawthorn, for the first time. He kicked two goals in the fourth quarter to help the Swans win.

Franklin had an outstanding season and won his third Coleman Medal, kicking 67 goals. He also played his 200th game in Round 19, kicking a season-high nine goals. He was named in the 2014 All-Australian team and finished second in the Brownlow Medal count. He kicked four goals in the 2014 AFL Grand Final, but Sydney lost to Hawthorn.

Injuries and Mental Health in 2015

Franklin started the 2015 season well, including kicking seven goals against Carlton in Round 9. However, he missed four games late in the season due to a back injury. For the first time since 2006, he kicked fewer than 50 goals. He also withdrew from playing in the finals due to a mental health issue.

Return to Form in 2016

After a successful return to football, Franklin played in all 26 games in 2016. He started the season strongly, kicking at least four goals in seven of the first eight matches. In Round 13, he kicked his 750th career goal, becoming the first Indigenous player to reach this milestone. His best game was in Round 21, where he had 28 disposals, nine marks, and six goals. He finished second in the Coleman Medal with 74 goals.

Franklin was one of the Swans' best players during the finals. He was named in the 2016 All-Australian team, his sixth selection. By the end of the season, he was the twelfth-highest goalkicker in VFL/AFL history.

Top Ten Goalkickers and Fourth Coleman Medal in 2017

Franklin marking the ball against Richmond in 2017.

Franklin played his 250th game in Round 3. Two weeks later, he kicked his 800th career goal. In Round 7, he kicked eight goals in a big win against the Brisbane Lions. In Round 10, he kicked five goals against Hawthorn, moving into the top ten highest goalkickers in VFL/AFL history.

He kicked his 50th goal for the season in Round 18, reaching 50 goals in a season for the tenth time. This is a rare achievement, done by only nine players in history. In Round 23, he had an amazing game, recording 25 disposals, ten marks, and ten goals against Carlton. This performance helped him win his fourth Coleman Medal with 69 goals. Franklin was named in the 2017 All-Australian team, his seventh selection.

Injuries and All-Australian Captaincy in 2018

Franklin started 2018 with eight goals against West Coast. He missed three weeks with a bruised heel. In Round 9, he kicked his 300th goal as a Swan, becoming only the second player to kick 300 goals for two different clubs. In Round 17, he kicked his 900th career goal.

Despite dealing with heel and hip injuries, Franklin was named captain of the 2018 All-Australian team. This was his record-equalling eighth selection. He ended the season with 57 goals.

Injuries and 300th Game in 2019

Franklin had a slow start to 2019 due to injuries. In Round 5, he kicked four goals, moving past Matthew Lloyd to become the seventh-highest goalkicker in VFL/AFL history. He missed several games with a hamstring injury.

He played his 300th game in the final round of the season. He kicked four goals and was one of the best players on the field. Before this game, Franklin said he was confident he had plenty of good football left. He aimed to reach 350 games and 1000 goals.

Injury-Wiped Season in 2020

Franklin had surgery on his right knee in January 2020. He was expected to return to training in about ten weeks. However, the 2020 season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He then suffered a hamstring injury in May. In August, he was ruled out for the rest of the season due to groin soreness.

Return to Playing in 2021

Franklin faced more injury setbacks in early 2021 with calf tightness. He made his return in Round 2 against the Adelaide Crows, kicking three goals. He was rested for Round 3 as part of his recovery plan. He kicked five goals against GWS in Round 5 but then picked up a knee injury, missing more games.

1,000th Career Goal in 2022

Fans flooding the Sydney Cricket Ground after Franklin's 1,000th AFL goal in 2022.

In Round 2 of the 2022 season, Franklin kicked four goals against Geelong. With his fourth goal, he became the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to kick 1,000 career goals! The Sydney Swans made it to the 2022 AFL Grand Final that year. Before the Grand Final, Franklin announced he would play for one more year in 2023. However, the Swans lost the Grand Final to Geelong.

Retirement in 2023

After injuring his calf in Round 20 of the 2023 season, Franklin announced he was retiring from the AFL. He was honored with a lap of honour at half-time during the Swans' final home game of the season.

Statistics

Template:Australian rules football statistics start with votes |- | 2005 || Hawthorn || 38 | 20 || 21 || 13 || 140 || 73 || 213 || 75 || 39 || 1.1 || 0.7 || 7.0 || 3.7 || 10.7 || 3.8 || 2.0 || 1 |- | 2006 || Hawthorn || 23 | 14 || 31 || 9 || 98 || 58 || 156 || 52 || 25 || 2.2 || 0.6 || 7.0 || 4.1 || 11.1 || 3.7 || 1.8 || 5 |- | 2007 || Hawthorn || 23 | 22 || 73 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 62^† || 201 || 92 || 293 || 123 || 49 || 3.3 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 2.8^† || 9.1 || 4.2 || 13.3 || 5.6 || 2.2 || 5 |- | bgcolor=F0E68C | 2008^# || Hawthorn || 23 | 25 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 113^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 88^† || 308 || 75 || 383 || 158 || 50 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 4.5^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 3.5^† || 12.3 || 3.0 || 15.3 || 6.3 || 2.0 || 20 |- | 2009 || Hawthorn || 23 | 21 || 67 || 46 || 187 || 129 || 316 || 109 || 48 || 3.2 || 2.2 || 8.9 || 6.1 || 15.0 || 5.2 || 2.3 || 4 |- | 2010 || Hawthorn || 23 | 18 || 64 || 42 || 205 || 115 || 320 || 99 || 68 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 3.6^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 2.3^† || 11.4 || 6.4 || 17.8 || 5.5 || 3.8 || 10 |- | 2011 || Hawthorn || 23 | 22 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 82^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 61^† || 250 || 151 || 401 || 130 || 73 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 3.7^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 2.8^† || 11.4 || 6.9 || 18.2 || 5.9 || 3.3 || 20 |- | 2012 || Hawthorn || 23 | 19 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 69^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 64^† || 250 || 100 || 350 || 111 || 71 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 3.6^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 3.4^† || 13.2 || 5.3 || 18.4 || 5.8 || 3.7 || 12 |- | bgcolor=F0E68C | 2013^# || Hawthorn || 23 | 21 || 60 || 37 || 214 || 115 || 329 || 86 || 52 || 2.9 || 1.8 || 10.2 || 5.5 || 15.7 || 4.1 || 2.5 || 5 |- | 2014 || Sydney || 23 | 22 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 79^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 51^† || 267 || 100 || 367 || 139 || 67 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 3.6^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 2.3^† || 12.1 || 4.5 || 16.7 || 6.3 || 3.0 || 22 |- | 2015 || Sydney || 23 | 17 || 47 || 29 || 192 || 58 || 250 || 83 || 49 || 2.8 || 1.7 || 11.3 || 3.4 || 14.7 || 4.9 || 2.3 || 8 |- | 2016 || Sydney || 23 | 26 || 81 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 54^† || 321 || 136 || 457 || 155 || 68 || 3.1 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 2.1^† || 12.3 || 5.2 || 17.6 || 6.0 || 2.6 || 17 |- | 2017 || Sydney || 23 | 24 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 73^† || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 60^† || 316 || 89 || 405 || 158 || 55 || 3.0 || 2.5 || 13.2 || 3.7 || 16.9 || 6.6 || 2.3 || 22 |- | 2018 || Sydney || 23 | 19 || 57 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 43^† || 241 || 47 || 288 || 127 || 38 || 3.0 || 2.3 || 12.7 || 2.5 || 15.2 || 6.7 || 2.0 || 16 |- | 2019 || Sydney || 23 | 10 || 27 || 18 || 96 || 21 || 117 || 55 || 16 || 2.7 || 1.8 || 9.6 || 2.1 || 11.7 || 5.5 || 1.6 || 3 |- | 2020 || Sydney || 23 | 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || 0 |- | 2021 || Sydney || 23 | 18 || 51 || 24 || 157 || 56 || 213 || 81 || 46 || 2.8 || 1.3 || 8.7 || 3.1 || 11.8 || 4.5 || 2.6 || 8 |- | 2022 || Sydney || 23 | 23 || 52 || 28 || 206 || 58 || 264 || 116 || 46 || 2.3 || 1.2 || 9.0 || 2.5 || 11.5 || 5.0 || 2.0 || 8 |- | 2023 || Sydney || 23 | 13 || 19 || 13 || 84 || 38 || 122 || 53 || 29 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 6.5 || 2.9 || 9.4 || 4.1 || 2.2 || 0 |- class=sortbottom ! colspan=3 | Career ! 354 !! 1066 !! 742 !! 3733 !! 1511 !! 5244 !! 1910 !! 889 !! 3.0 !! 2.1 !! 10.5 !! 4.3 !! 14.8 !! 5.4 !! 2.5 !! 186 |}

Personal Life

Franklin has several tattoos that celebrate his Indigenous heritage. He has also openly talked about his struggles with depression. He did this to help reduce the stigma around mental illness, especially for men in Australia and the AFL.

In 2009, Franklin appeared in an AFL television advertisement. It showed famous AFL players playing football in unusual places. In the ad, Franklin catches the ball and kicks a goal.

On 4 November 2016, Franklin married Jesinta Campbell, a former Miss Universe Australia model. They have a daughter and a son. After retiring from football in 2023, Franklin and his family moved to the Gold Coast. He now works as an ambassador for the AFL in Queensland.

Honours and Achievements

Team

• 2× AFL premiership player (Hawthorn): 2008, 2013
• 2× McClelland Trophy (Hawthorn): 2012, 2013
• 2× McClelland Trophy (Sydney): 2014, 2016

Individual

• 8× All-Australian team: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 (c)
• 4× Coleman Medal: 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017
• Peter Crimmins Medal: 2008
• 6× Hawthorn leading goalkicker: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
• 7× Sydney leading goalkicker: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022
• 3× Brett Kirk Medal: 2017 (game 2), 2018 (game 2), 2021 (game 1)
• 2× Goodes–O'Loughlin Medal: 2017, 2022
• 2× AFL Goal of the Year: 2010, 2013
• Australia representative honours in international rules football: 2013
• Dream Team representative honours in AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match
• Marn Grook Award: 2007
• AFL Rising Star nominee: 2005