Lance Franklin’s legendary AFL career is over.
In his 354th game, in his 18th season, Franklin hobbled off Marvel Stadium with a calf injury in the second quarter of the Swans’ win over the Bombers on the weekend.
It was his last appearance on a footy field.
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9News Melbourne’s Braden Ingram is reporting Franklin’s calf injury is enough to end his season. Franklin told teammates on Monday morning he had played his final game, having earlier this month told them 2023 would be his last season.
In a statement, Franklin told teammates his career had been an “unbelievable journey”.
Swans chief executive Tom Harley said Franklin was “an icon of the AFL (who) will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play this game”.
“Lance has that rare ability to transcend footy and has brought so much joy to fans for more than a decade now,” Harley said.
“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.”
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The numbers behind his storied career are incredible – Franklin is a two time premiership-winner, eight time All-Australian, four time Coleman Medallist, 13 time club-leading goal kicker and one time club best and fairest.
His 1066 goals will leave him the fourth-leading goalkicker in VFL/AFL history, behind only Tony Lockett, Gordon Coventry and Jason Dunstall.
Harley and senior coach John Longmire will speak to media at 3pm.
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