‘The end’: Jesinta reveals ‘extremely emotional’ part of Lance Franklin’s retirement

Jesinta Franklin has revealed intimate footage from behind the scenes as Lance Franklin told those close to him he has retired.

Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin with his wife Jesinta. Photo by Phil Hillyard.

Jesinta Franklin has paid tribute to her AFL legend husband Lance Franklin after he called an end to his incredible career on Monday.

The beginning of the end came in what was now Franklin’s last game against Essendon when he was subbed out with a calf injury in the second quarter on Saturday night.

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With 354 games to his name and 1066 goals, the eight-time All Australian looked set to hang up the boots at seasons end, although there were reports he was considering going around again.

However, after cutting a dejected figure on the bench with his season all but over, Franklin announced he would end his career immediately.

He reportedly told his teammates on Monday morning of his decision.

Although Franklin didn’t attend the press conference, the club said he would take time away with his family — wife Jesinta and their children Tallulah, born in 2020, and son Rocky, born in 2021.

But Jesinta took to social media to share how the agonising decision had been reached.

“The end of an era,” she began.

“It’s been an extremely emotional 24 hours. So proud of my husband on what has been an incredible career.

“For 12 years footy has been such a huge part of our lives and has come with lots of highs and lows. It’s been an honour to be a part of the journey with you @buddy_franklin23. A fairytale career.

“The kids and I love you so, so much. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, we have made memories that we will cherish forever. Here’s to a new and very exciting chapter of our lives together.”

Lance and Jesinta Franklin at the 2018 Brownlow Medal. Pic: Michael Klein

Lance and Jesinta Franklin. Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

The calf injury was the final straw of Franklin’s career with Swans coach John Longmire revealing that the calf injury would have been a six to eight week injury.

That would mean the Swans would have to go deep into the finals for him to play again, although he feared it could end up being a 12-week injury because the key forward suffered a similar calf tear over the summer which ruled him out for three months of training.

Longmire revealed Franklin called him on Sunday night.

“He rang me when I was sitting on the plane,” Longmire said during the press conference.

“He was pretty emotional and devastated that could be the way it’s finished. It certainly sounded like he’d made the call there and then. I said, ‘Sleep on it and we’ll get up and have a chat this morning’. I went to his place this morning. He said ‘I’m done’. I think the best way to do it is to call it now.”

Originally published as ‘The end’: Jesinta reveals ‘extremely emotional’ part of Lance Franklin’s retirement