Sydney Swans reacts after City of Sydney rejects Buddy Franklin mural proposal

The Sydney Swans has taken aim at the City of Sydney for refusing to allow a mural of AFL great Buddy Franklin to be painted in the CBD. Have your say in our poll.

The City of Sydney has come under fire from the Sydney Swans after the council refused a $5000 proposal to honour AFL great Buddy Franklin with a handpainted mural in the CBD.

A white wall on the side of a three storey home in Surry Hills will remain a blank canvas after the council rejected a planning application for Buddy Franklin to be recognised with a mural on the side of the building.

Plans for the mural were lodged earlier this year, shortly after the 36-year-old sporting star confirmed his retirement from AFL after more than two decades stunning footy fans.

The proposed mural, facing the busy intersection of Fitzroy and South Dowling Sts not far from the Swans home ground, was intended to honour Franklin’s sporting legacy – including becoming one of only six players in the sport’s history to kick more than 1000 goals.

But the City of Sydney labelled the proposed mural “unsympathetic” to the local streetscape and raised concerns it could have “adverse impacts” on the surrounding heritage conservation area.

A concept image showing what the mural would have looked like.

The council also took aim at the artistic merits of the proposal, describing the mural as an “advertisement” rather than “street art”.

“The development has not demonstrated design excellence (and) is considered to be an advertisement. As such, the development is prohibited,” the council’s decision stated.

The Sydney Swans has hit back at the council’s refusal – saying the mural was intended to honour one of the game’s most well known players.

Buddy Franklin announced his retirement earlier this year.

“While the Sydney Swans respect the council’s decision it’s a disappointing outcome,” a Sydney Swans spokeswoman said.

“We believe the mural would have made a wonderful contribution to the street art through Surry Hills.

“This mural was simply intended as a tribute to one of the greatest players we have seen.”

Plans for the mural, proposed by advertising company Apparition Media, would have depicted Buddy celebrating his 1000th goal

“It is this powerful image that we propose to bring to life in a public mural, thereby inspiring future generations and showcasing the extraordinary rewards of hard work and perseverance,” the plans stated.

“Given the site’s proximity to Moore Park and the Sydney Swans home ground the proposed mural is appropriate and relevant as Sydney AFL supporters will often travel past it.”

The proposed location of the Buddy Franklin mural

Jordan Horsell, who administers a Sydney Swans Supporters Facebook page, said he was shocked by the council’s refusal.

“I think the fans would have loved it and it would have added to the game experience.”It would have been a great artwork.”

The Swans have meanwhile questioned why the proposal was refused when two murals depicting Sydney Swans greats – Adam Goodes and Josh Kennedy – have been permitted in the council area.

The council’s decision comes after mixed feedback about the mural was raised in submissions from Surry Hills residents with one local saying: “why on earth do we need yet more giant murals of male sportsmen?”