AFL legend Lance Franklin announces immediate retirement

Sydney Swans superstar Lance Franklin has announced his retirement from AFL football, effective immediately.

The two-time premiership player broke the news to his teammates on Monday, bringing an abrupt end to speculation around his future.

“What a journey. Thanks to everyone who has been on this crazy ride with me,” Franklin confirmed in an Instagram post.

The news comes after the veteran forward injured his calf in Sydney’s narrow win over Essendon last Saturday night.

Swans coach John Longmire was full of praise for Franklin, who finishes his career with 1,066 goals – the most of any player in the AFL era.

“Lance Franklin has been a wonderful player with this football club and in my opinion is the greatest forward of his generation,” he said.

“He is an absolute freak of nature and we have been lucky enough to have front-row seats to one of the best ever to play.

“He is a massive competitor and a wonderful teammate. Lance is also an extremely private and humble champion, which makes him even more endearing to those who know him.

“After coming to the Swans as a 26-year-old in the prime of his life, he leaves as one of our most loved players to run out in the red and white.

“He is an out-and-out champion and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Franklin started his career at Hawthorn, who selected him with pick five in the 2004 national draft.

The West Australian would go on to amass 182 games and 580 goals for the Hawks, winning two premierships (2008, 2013), two Coleman Medals (2008, 2011) and a Peter Crimmins Medal (2008).

At the end of the 2013 season, he penned a nine-year deal with the Swans that was said to be worth $10 million.

While he didn’t taste any further premiership success in New South Wales, Franklin added another two best-and-fairest awards (2017, 2022) and two more Coleman Medals (2014, 2017).

He was also Sydney’s leading goalkicker on seven occasions, most recently when booting 52 majors in the club’s run to the 2022 AFL Grand Final.

He bows out after 172 games and 486 goals for the Swans.

“Lance is an icon of the AFL and will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play this game,” said Swans CEO Tom Harley.

“Lance has that rare ability to transcend footy and has brought so much joy to fans for more than a decade now.

“He is a champion and will leave a lasting legacy, not only at the Sydney Swans, but within the AFL and broader community.

“We wish him, Jesinta, Tallulah and Rocky all the very best for the future. They will always hold a close place in the heart of our club.”

Franklin was selected in the All-Australian team eight times between 2008 and 2018, when he was named captain of the side.

Only four other players have equalled that tally – Gary Ablett Jr, Patrick Dangerfield, Mark Ricciuto and Robert Harvey – while none have bettered it.

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