Buddy Franklin to skip AFL Grand Final, stay on Gold Coast with family

September 29, 2023 6:41 am.by Staff Writer

Lance “Buddy” Franklin, the legendary Australian football figure will not be present at the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne this Saturday when Collingwood are set to go up against the Brisbane Lions.

Instead, he has chosen to stay on the Gold Coast with his family.

Franklin retired from football after sustaining a calf injury during Round 20 against Essendon.

As a result, he will not participate in the retiring players motorcade at the MCG on Grand Final day.Even though AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan publicly encouraged Franklin to attend, acknowledging his status in the game and fans desire to bid him farewell, Buddy declined the invitation.

He has decided to prioritise spending time with his family on the Gold Coast where they currently reside. This decision follows Franklin’s choice not to attend Hawthorn’s 10-year premiership reunion celebrations.

Instead, he opted for a farewell during Round 24 at the SCG, where he spent the majority of his career.

Despite fans and AFL hopes for his presence at the Grand Final Buddy Franklin’s absence will leave a void as this 36-year-old football icon remains with his loved ones on the Gold Coast. Franklin’s retirement signifies the conclusion of a career where he participated in 354 games and scored 1,066 goals.

Additionally, he has the distinction of being a two-time Premiership player, having secured flags with Hawthorn in both 2008 and 2013.

In recognition of his skills and contributions to the sport, Franklin was honored as the AFL Players Association MVP in 2011. Although Franklin won’t have the chance to say goodbye at the Grand Final, his reputation as one of the greatest players ever is undisputed.

More sports news