Buddy Franklin says fatherhood has given him new perspective

Buddy Franklin says he can’t wait to become a dad for a second time, as he revealed the crucial lesson fatherhood has taught him.

Lance “Buddy” Franklin says he can’t wait to become a father for a second time, with model wife Jesinta due to give birth next month.

“Obviously with the COVID stuff that happened last year, I was fortunate to have our little girl, Tullulah, and this year we are five or six weeks away from having our second,” the Swans superstar said.

“I am really excited about that and can’t wait to become a father for the second time.”

He said being a dad put “a lot of things into perspective”.

“The things that you do tend to stress about with the stress of being an AFL footballer, it does put everything into perspective,” he said.

“The main thing is you have got a happy and healthy family. Being a father has been the best thing for me. I am loving every minute of it and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Buddy Franklin and Kate Waterhouse with Gai Waterhouse-trained Shout The Bar, who is vying for a place in the All-Star Mile 2021 field. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Meanwhile, Franklin has promised to shout drinks if his horse wins the All-Star Mile at the Valley on March 13.

Franklin is backing the Gai Waterhouse-trained Shout The Bar to get a spot in the race.

He stopped by Waterhouse’s stables to meet Shout The Bar, her contender to compete in the $5m race.

More than 70 horses are vying for a spot with 10 to be chosen by the public and a further five to get wildcard places.

Racing fans can vote to get their favourite horse into the field — and everyone who votes has a chance to become an honorary “owner” of their horse for the day.

The owner of the winning horse will take home $250,000, with the others to share the remainder of the $500,000 total prize pool.

To vote, go to allstarmile.com.au

Originally published as Buddy Franklin says fatherhood has given him new perspective