- Franklin returned to the MCG to watch his two former clubs play
- Great retired last year and officially said goodbye on Sunday
Jesinta Franklin has given football fans a behind-the-scenes look at her husband Buddy’s return to the MCG on Sunday, as he watched his two former clubs play each other.
Franklin broke Hawthorn hearts in 2013 when he left the Melbourne club for the Sydney Swans, in an explosive $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.
Lance Franklin took a lap of honor with his children Tullulah and Rocky on Sunday
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.
Jesinta made several social media posts about the emotional afternoon, including a series of video stories on Instagram.
In one clip, Rocky and Tallulah can be seen looking around the empty MCG before the match. In another they can be seen playing with former Hawthorn teammates Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis’ children.
Franklin posed for photos with fans dressed in gold and brown, while her children also wore Hawthorn sweaters.
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.
Jesinta made several publications on social networks about her husband’s emotional afternoon
Franklin received a warm reception from his fans at the MCG.
‘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.
“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).
