Lance Buddy Franklin hints at AFL return: ‘I will be all in’

AFL great Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin has spoken about life after retirement — hinting at a possible return to the game while announcing a new work project.

Lance Franklin isn’t done with AFL.

Coming up to a year after his retirement, the Hawthorn and Sydney Swans legend has hinted at a return to the game he dominated on the field.

“Footy is all I have known playing for nearly 20 years,” Franklin, who finished his 354-game career last August, told The Daily Telegraph.

“At some stage there is no doubt I will get back involved, but it has been a nice position to be in to actually have a year away from the game and just take a big deep breath and spend this time with my family.

“But there is no doubt that I will be back in the game at some stage.”

AFL great Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin says there is ‘no doubt’ he will get back to the game in future. Picture: Richard Dobson

Franklin, 37, has kept a low profile after moving from Sydney to the Gold Coast with model presenter wife Jesinta and their two young children, Rocky and Tallulah.

But questioned on what exactly he means by “getting back involved” with football, Franklin suggested it was on his mind.

“I am not sure, and that is something that I will have a think about, speak to the right people, work out exactly what I want to do because if I am involved at some level, I will be all in,” Franklin said.

That said, Franklin said he wasn’t missing his days in the limelight.

The Swans have not missed a beat without Franklin this season, sitting two games clear at the top of the AFL ladder.

“There is no doubt when anyone retires from doing something for so long, there is definitely parts of it I miss,” Franklin said.

Franklin celebrates kicking a goal from outside 50m during a match between the Sydney Swans and the Adelaide Crows. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I miss competing and being there with the boys but … the time was right for me to finish up and I just feel very blessed to have played that great game for so long, I met some tremendous people throughout my career.

“It has been a year now since I retired and it has just been such a special moment to spend this time with my family, my young kids, that is time that I would never have had if I was still playing football.

Franklin has enjoyed spending more time with wife Jesinta and their children. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Buddy Franklin is promoting Hahn Ultra Zero Carb beer, saying he still likes to live an active lifestyle. Picture: Supplied

“Being a stay-at-home dad has its challenges at times but it has just been incredible.

“Having two kids scream can be challenging … you have your moments but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Franklin spoke to The Daily Telegraph at Sydney’s The Light Brigade pub to announce he is fronting new Hahn Ultra Zero Carb beer.

Not playing sport each day means he must be more aware of the food and drinks he consumes.

“You go from being so active and doing it every day of your life to you can do what you want

“I think it is definitely an adjustment and something you’ve got to be very mindful of,” he said.

“Living an active lifestyle is important.”

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