Superstar Sydney ahead Lance Franklin’s 354th sport final weekend will likely be his closing AFL look after he advised his Sydney teammates he could be retiring.
The goalkicking goliath was subbed out of Saturday’s loss to Essendon with a calf grievance and with simply 4 video games to go this season was unlikely to get again and has known as time efficient instantly.
Despite latest solutions the 36-year-old not too long ago could play on for a nineteenth season, one of many nice AFL careers will come to an in depth in 2023.
He will end with a large 1066 objectives, having grow to be simply the sixth participant in AFL/VFL historical past to go 1000 objectives final season.
Franklin is the fourth-leading goalkicker in VFL/AFL historical past, behind solely Tony Lockett, Gordon Coventry and Jason Dunstall.
Swans chief government Tom Harley stated Franklin was an “icon” of the sport. .
“And will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play this game,” Harley stated.
“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.”
Franklin performed 182 video games and booted 580 objectives for Hawthorn, the place he received two premierships, earlier than making his shock transfer north on an enormous nine-year deal.
He performed 172 video games in crimson and white, booting an extra 486 objectives, however didn’t get the third premiership he craved from three grand finals in crimson and white.
Swans coach John Longmire stated Franklin was doubtless the “greatest forward of his generation”.
“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,” Longmire stated.
“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 finishes as one in every of simply two gamers in historical past, together with former Swan and Saint Tony Lockett, to have booted 300 objectives for 2 golf equipment.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
