‘Brainless’: Collingwood fans slammed over Buddy Franklin booing

Collingwood fans have been slammed after Buddy Franklin was booed in what was the Swans’ first games against the Pies at the MCG in a decade.

Buddy Franklin was targeted throughout the match. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Swans legend Buddy Franklin has been mercilessly booed by Collingwood fans in his side’s 29-point loss at the MCG.

In the clubs’ first regular match at the ground since 2013, Magpies fans did their best to get in the head of legendary forward, as he was kept to just 13 disposals and a behind in a quiet performance.

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In front of 71,463, the Magpies fans made the most of not seeing one of the greatest goalscorers of all-time, quite potentially for the last time, booing him mercilessly at every touch in the 11.11 (77) to 6.12 (48) win.

Buddy Franklin had a long day. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

After the match, Swans coach John Longmire and fans alike were baffled as to why the Pies fans would ruin one of their last chances to see one of the modern greats in action by hurling boos at him.

“(Swans footy boss Charlie Gardiner) and I actually didn’t know (he was booed), we don’t sit back like a spectator,” the Swans coach told reporters.

“But I don’t know why they would … why would you boo him? Probably celebrate a 36-year old wouldn’t you, that’s been a champion of the game.

“It’s been 10 years since we’ve played Collingwood here, why would you boo one of the champions of the game? It doesn’t make sense to me.”

Franklin is contracted at the Swans until the end of the season and is believed to be in the final season of his illustrious career.

It was hard to understand why the Pies chose to boo the 36-year-old as there was no obvious incident that sparked the booing, except for the fact he’s Buddy Franklin.

Seven News reporter Nick McCallum wrote: “At one of his last MCG games some Collingwood fans inexplicably boo-ed Buddy Franklin. Hopefully in years to come they’ll realise how lucky they were to see this legend play. their kids, grandkids will want to hear all about it. Then they’ll realise how brainless they were today.”

It was a tough day at the office for Buddy. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

ABC broadcaster Brett Sprigg added: “Buddy Franklin, one of the game’s modern greats, will only be around for a dozen games at most, and Collingwood fans reckon now might be a good time to boo him. If you’re an adult human doing this, have a word with yourself.”

I don’t remember anyone booing Gary Ablett in his final season of footy. I don’t remember anyone booing Luke Hodge in his final year of footy.

Wonder why Buddy Franklin is getting booed 🤔 #AFLpic.twitter.com/1HoiL2h2DY

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) May 7, 2023

The Swans have one more game left at the MCG this home & away season against the Tigers in Round 17.

Hopefully Buddy Franklin stays fit and gets one last run on the ‘G.

Goalless and booed in a loss to the Pies not quite a fitting swan song to the home of footy #AFLPiesSwans

— Andrew McCormack (@_AMcCormack7) May 7, 2023

Anyone who thinks Collingwood fans have got better is kidding themselves. Booing Buddy Franklin is a disgusting blight on them and the game. He is better than them, and any of their players or fans will ever be #aflpiesswans

— Tim Boyce (@BoyceTim) May 7, 2023

Why are the @CollingwoodFC supporters booing one of the greatest Indigenous players Buddy Franklin, then chant USA for @masonsixtencox ? Am I missing something? #afl

— Stuart Adams (@stuartadams70) May 7, 2023

Booing has been a hot topic in the AFL this year with the persistent targeting of Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis by multiple fan bases.

Even Pies coach Craig McRae hit back at the booing.

“I’ve said this before, I’m not a booer and we don’t boo at home,” McRae said post-mach on Sunday.

“You pay your money and do whatever you want.

“I must admit, I didn’t hear it, I don’t know if (it’s because) we had the headsets on or whatever. But we just don’t boo.”

Franklin became the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to boot 1000 goals last year and is now fifth overall with 1054 goals, just three goals behind Doug Wade.