Lance Franklin, Australian footballer

Lance Franklin, universally known as "Buddy" Franklin and born on January 30, 1987, stands as an iconic figure in the sport of Australian rules football. A professional player renowned for his extraordinary talent as a key forward, he currently graces the field for the Sydney Swans in the elite Australian Football League (AFL), Australia's premier professional competition for the sport. His illustrious career also includes a highly successful nine-season tenure with the Hawthorn Football Club from 2005 to 2013, where he first established himself as a dominant force in the game.

Widely celebrated as the preeminent forward of his generation, Franklin is also considered among the greatest players of all time in Australian rules football history. His unique blend of explosive speed, remarkable agility for a player of his imposing 199 cm (6 ft 6 in) frame, incredible aerial prowess, and deadly accuracy in front of goal redefined the role of a key forward. A testament to his unparalleled scoring ability, Franklin achieved the monumental feat of kicking 1,000 career goals, a milestone reached on March 25, 2022, in a thrilling match against Geelong at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This electrifying moment, where thousands of fans flooded the field to celebrate, positioned him as only the sixth player in the illustrious VFL/AFL history to achieve this incredible mark, joining legends like Tony Lockett and Gordon Coventry. His consistency as a scoring machine is further underscored by the fact that he has been the leading goalkicker for his respective clubs on an astonishing twelve occasions – six times for Hawthorn and six times for the Sydney Swans – consistently delivering at least 50 goals in each of those remarkable seasons.

A Legacy of Excellence and Accolades

Franklin's career is adorned with an impressive array of individual and team honours, solidifying his status as a modern-day legend:

Hawthorn: Laying the Foundation for Greatness

During his nine-season tenure with the Hawthorn Football Club, Franklin was instrumental in their success. He played a pivotal role in securing two premierships, the ultimate team triumph in the AFL, in 2008 and 2013. His individual brilliance at Hawthorn was also recognized through:

Franklin was the Hawks' leading goalkicker for six consecutive seasons leading up to his final year at the club in 2013, a testament to his consistent scoring prowess. Furthermore, his flair for the spectacular was highlighted by winning the AFL Goal of the Year on two occasions, in 2010 and 2013, for his incredible and often audacious long-range or running goals that captivated fans. His immense talent was evident from the outset, earning him a nomination for the coveted 2005 AFL Rising Star award in just his fourth senior game.

Sydney Swans: A New Chapter and Enduring Impact

Following his second premiership victory with Hawthorn in 2013, Franklin made a landmark move to the Sydney Swans via free agency. This highly publicized transfer involved a groundbreaking nine-year, $10 million contract, a deal that significantly shaped the free agency landscape in the AFL and demonstrated the immense value placed on a player of his calibre. Shortly after this move, he proudly represented Australia in the 2013 International Rules Series against Ireland, a hybrid game blending elements of Australian rules football and Gaelic football.

His move to Sydney proved to be an overwhelming success, as Franklin continued to perform at an elite level, defying expectations often associated with such a long and lucrative contract. For the Swans, he accumulated a further four All-Australian selections and added two more Coleman Medals to his already impressive collection. He immediately became the club's leading goalkicker in his first five seasons there, showcasing his seamless transition and continued dominance as the focal point of their attack.

Resilience and Milestone Achievements

Despite encountering a number of significant injury setbacks throughout his illustrious career, Lance Franklin's resilience and dedication allowed him to consistently return to the field and perform at the highest level. His incredible longevity is highlighted by his career games played, reaching the significant milestone of 300 games in 2019, a rare achievement for any player, particularly a key forward who endures constant physical contests. The pinnacle of his career milestones, the 1,000th goal, was reached in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific and impactful players to ever grace the AFL.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lance "Buddy" Franklin

How many goals has Lance Franklin kicked in his career?
Lance Franklin has kicked over 1,000 goals in his VFL/AFL career, making him the sixth player in history to reach this extraordinary milestone and the only active player to do so, a feat achieved in March 2022.
Which AFL clubs has Buddy Franklin played for?
Buddy Franklin has played for two AFL clubs: the Hawthorn Football Club (2005-2013) and the Sydney Swans (2014-present).
How many premierships has Lance Franklin won?
Lance Franklin has won two AFL premierships, both with the Hawthorn Football Club in 2008 and 2013.
What is the Coleman Medal? Has Franklin won it?
The Coleman Medal is awarded annually to the player who kicks the most goals in the AFL's home-and-away season. Yes, Lance Franklin has won the Coleman Medal four times (2008, 2011, 2017, 2018), showcasing his consistent dominance as a goalkicker.
Why is Buddy Franklin considered one of the greatest forwards?
Buddy Franklin is considered one of the greatest forwards due to his exceptional goal-kicking consistency over two decades, remarkable athleticism for his size (including speed, agility, and aerial ability), versatility in playing both full forward and centre half-forward, and his unique ability to single-handedly influence and win games with his explosive play.