- Buddy Franklin was at the MCG on Sunday.
- Saw Hawthorn vs Sydney
- Franklin retired from football last year.
Buddy Franklin was in the building on Sunday as he watched his two former clubs battle it out at the MCG.
AFL great Franklin broke Hawthorn hearts in 2013 when he left the Melbourne club for the Sydney Swans, in a bombshell $10 million move that was heavily criticized by the football world.
Many fans and pundits expected the move to backfire spectacularly, but Franklin completed his long-term contract and retired last year, becoming only the fifth player to score 1,000 goals at the top level.
On Saturday morning, Franklin turned up at the Hawthorn training base in Waverley with his wife Jesinta and their two children, Rocky and Tallulah.
And the family were present at the MCG on Sunday for the Hawks-Swans match, with Franklin receiving a warm reception from his adoring fans.
Buddy Franklin was at the MCG to watch his two former clubs battle.
The AFL legend was celebrated by Hawthorn fans despite breaking their hearts in 2013.
He posed for photographs with fans dressed in gold and brown, while his children also wore Hawthorn jerseys, in a clear indication of where his loyalties lie.
Since retiring from football, the 37-year-old has moved to the Gold Coast with his family.
The Suns had considered making a play for Franklin in an off-field role, but none of that has materialized.
Swans coach John Longmire has refuted claims there were fallout between Franklin and the club, with the striker missing his own retirement announcement last year.
“No, we haven’t had enough of Lance,” Longmire said.
‘Lance has been one of the most popular players we have had at this football club and, without a doubt, one of the best players I have ever coached.
Franklin’s children, Tullalah and Rocky, wore Hawthorn jerseys before the game.
“He was a super player for us and I had a great relationship with him that I will always treasure.
‘He was 36 years old (when he retired). You know, oddly enough, you get to a point where you go and do other things.
Sydney took home the spoils on Sunday night, beating the Hawks 5.12 (42) – 18.10 (118).