Lance Franklin: ‘As a dad I’ll be a pushover’
IN a rare interview, AFL star Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin opens up about his childhood, being a role model, and what kind of parents he and wife Jesinta will be.
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IN a rare interview, AFL star Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin opens up about his childhood, being a role model, and what kind of parents he and wife Jesinta will be.
Your given name is Lance, yet most people know you as Buddy. How did that happen?
I always introduce myself as Lance — Buddy is just my nickname. I am named after my dad, so growing up things got confusing around the house. Mum started calling me Buddy, and it’s just stuck. I prefer being called Lance. It’s my name.
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Your father played field hockey, your sisters play netball and your cousins play AFL. Did you always know you would pursue a football career?
Footy has always been what I love doing. I grew up outside with a footy in my hands. Dad painted goal sticks on the big shed on our farm and I spent countless hours practising kicking it up against the shed — aiming between the painted posts. Footy always has and always will be my greatest passion.
That was in Western Australia, where you were born and raised. You then moved from Melbourne to Sydney to play for the Swans in 2014; what do you miss most?
I left Perth when I was 17, after I was drafted to the Hawthorn Football Club in Melbourne. I played and lived there for 10 years and then signed a contract with Sydney. I still have friends and family in WA so I visit every now and again. I really love Sydney, though — I’m happy to stay put for now. It’s the best city I’ve lived in.
As an athlete, you have to maintain peak physical condition. What is your go-to exercise?
Players run a lot during games so it’s important to maintain your cardio. So running is probably my go.
Training and playing sport can be gruelling. Where do you draw your energy and inspiration?
It’s easy to stay motivated when you love what you do. If I ever feel unmotivated, it’s my teammates that drive me. That’s the best part about team sport: it’s not about you. So if you’re ever having an off day you know you have to dig deep for everyone around you, not just yourself.
You and wife Jesinta are Friends of the House of Dior fragrances. Be honest: are a few bottles of Sauvage needed in the locker room after one of your games?
Definitely for a few of the players! But I won’t call them out publicly. I always keep a bottle in my locker, though... for after the games.
What do your teammates make of your role with Dior?
It’s an awesome partnership and one I am really proud of. Not many people can say they are associated with an iconic brand with such a longstanding history. The locker room is always quite jovial; we don’t hold back from having a dig. I’ve been lucky to avoid that with my relationship with Dior — I think most of the boys are just after a free bottle of cologne.
It is Father’s Day next Sunday. Are you able to give us a hint of what you’ll give your dad?
Mum and Dad recently relocated to Perth, so I’ll most likely send him a six pack and a bottle of Sauvage.
If you become a dad, will you be a pushover or a disciplinarian?
Total pushover. My wife will have to take the reins on the discipline side of things. Jesinta has talked about becoming more aware of Indigenous issues because of you, and due to the children you may have.
As someone who has one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous parent, how will this inform your own parenting?
I am a proud Indigenous man and was raised that way. We intend to do the same when it’s time for us to start a family. I want our children to be proud of their culture and heritage and stand tall as Indigenous Australians.
Stellar is celebrating its second anniversary today. Speaking of second anniversaries, you and Jesinta will mark two years of marriage in November. How will you celebrate?
Last year we stayed at a beautiful resort in Mexico; we don’t exchange gifts for our anniversary, we prefer to just spend time with each other. This year we’re planning to go away, but haven’t decided where yet.
Today’s cover star, Miranda Tapsell, is an amazing role model for young Indigenous Australians. As a role model yourself, how seriously do you take that responsibility?
I don’t ever consciously think of being a role model. But if my life and what I am doing in footy can inspire a young Indigenous kid to work hard and pursue their dreams, then I see that as a pretty special gift.