- Buddy Franklin has hinted at a return to the AFL
- The superstar striker retired last year
- But he says he’s eager to get involved again.
Lance Franklin has revealed he wants to return to the AFL, eleven months after stepping away from the game.
The Hawthorn and Sydney Swans legend, 37, has kept a relatively low profile since retiring last year but has admitted his competitive impulses are drawing him back to the sport.
“Football is all I’ve known playing for almost 20 years,” Franklin said. News Corporation.
‘At some point I have no doubt I’ll get back involved, but it’s been a good position to be able to take a year away from the game and just take a deep breath and spend this time with my family.
“But there’s no doubt I’ll be back in the game at some point.”
Franklin moved from Sydney to the Gold Coast after his retirement, where he lives with his wife Jesinta and their two young children, Rocky and Tallulah.
The former goalkeeping superstar remained aloof when discussing what his return would entail.
“I’m not sure, and that’s something I’ll think about, talk to the right people and figure out exactly what I want to do because if I get involved at some level, I’m going all in,” Franklin said.
Buddy Franklin has revealed his plans to return to the AFL
The superstar striker left the game he loves less than 12 months ago
Reflecting on life after football, Franklin said his life has changed tremendously.
“There’s no doubt that when someone is retired from doing something for so long, there are definitely parts of it that I miss,” Franklin said.
‘I miss competing and being out there with the guys, but… it was the right time to finish and I feel very blessed to have played that great game for so long, met some tremendous people throughout my career.
‘It’s been a year since I retired and it’s been a very special time to be able to spend this time with my family, my young children, time I would never have had if I was still playing football.
‘Being a dad and staying home sometimes presents challenges, but it’s been amazing.
“Having two screaming kids can be a challenge… you have your moments, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
The Swans have adapted remarkably well to life without Franklin and sit top of the AFL standings having lost just two games all season.
