Buddy retires

[neilfws]

It's been a privilege to watch Lance 'Buddy' Franklin play football in Sydney. He has been a great player for the team, a huge asset for AFL in the city and through all the hype and hyperbole, he's been modest, down to earth and from all accounts, a generous, friendly and considerate man to fans and team mates alike.

Congratulations on a wonderful career Buddy. Thank you for coming to Sydney. Thanks for making AFL in Sydney such a great experience. Enjoy your retirement and best of luck in your future endeavours.

Nice words. Yes to all of that.

As Bruce said at the end of the classic 2017 game vs the Bombers, "how lucky we are".

[Dave]

A sad day indeed. A fantastic career to celebrate.

Thanks for everything Bud.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Apparently a 3pm press conference. And yes, like others, find myself strangely emotional. We've been truly blessed to watch him play.

[Dow]

What a champion player has been a privilege to watch him play

[Rod_]

Thanks Bud,

Father time has arrived and agree what a ride.

Well done!

[KTigers]

I think anybody who has been following the great game for a while knows just how cool it was to rock up to a game and see the
great man strutting his stuff for most of the last ten years for us. And by all reports he is a pretty decent chap as well and that
counts for something I reckon. We've done pretty well I think with big time forwards in Buddy and Plugger, two of the most
mesmerizing players to ever play the game. I will miss seeing him out there.

[grarmy]

Apparently a 3pm press conference. And yes, like others, find myself strangely emotional. We've been truly blessed to watch him play.

It is like losing a family member. That said, many terrific memories.

[ugg]

Everyone will have their fave Buddy moments, but this is always one of mine.

The top of table clash against Port in 2014 when he kicked five. Everyone remembers the bomb from 70m, but I reckon the next goal he kicked, dancing round a few and then going bang from 50, was even better. Had a great view of it from our seats too. Just shake your head stuff.

SwansTV: Buddy highlights v Port Adelaide R13 - YouTube

Can remember it like it was yesterday. The atmosphere at the ground was electric

[lwjoyner]

remakable how lose the numbers are bwteen swans and hawks (9 years hawks, 10swans), 182 games hawks 172 swans, 475 goals hawks 51 the biggest defferential) for swans What agreat player only one better for swans in my eyes was RJ Skilton but newveretheless a great swans.

[wolftone57]

Been a wonderful player. The best ever probably. He will automatically go into the AFL Hall of Fame as a Legend.

When a player starts to get niggles every week it is a sign the end is near. This week would be a good time for our young forwards to put on an exhibition for Bud

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[jono2707]

Thanks Buddy.

[Goal Sneak]

He's an amazing talent. The fact he was at the top of the game for so long only reinforces what a special player he is. So many talented sports people go on to waste their natural ability but Bud never took his opportunity for granted. We have just witnessed one of the all time greats. Cheers Bud.