- Buddy Franklin has hinted at a return to the AFL
- The superstar forward retired last year
- But he says he is eager to get involved again
Lance Franklin has revealed he wants to return to AFL, eleven months on from walking away from the game.
The Hawthorn and Sydney Swans legend, 37, has kept a relatively low-profile since retiring last year, but has admitted that his competitive urges are drawing him back to the sport.
‘Footy is all I have known playing for nearly 20 years,’ Franklin told News Corp.
‘At some stage there is no doubt I will get back involved, but it has been a nice position to be in to actually have a year away from the game and just take a big deep breath and spend this time with my family.
‘But there is no doubt that I will be back in the game at some stage.’
Franklin moved from Sydney to the Gold Coast after his retirement, where he lives with his wife Jesinta and their two young children, Rocky and Tallulah.
The former goal-kicking superstar remained aloof when discussing what his return would entail.
‘I am not sure, and that is something that I will have a think about, speak to the right people, work out exactly what I want to do because if I am involved at some level, I will be all in,’ Franklin said.
Buddy Franklin has revealed plans to return to the AFL
The superstar forward walked away from the game he loves less than 12 months ago
Reflecting on life post-footy, Franklin said his life has changed immeasurably.
‘There is no doubt when anyone retires from doing something for so long, there is definitely parts of it I miss,’ Franklin said.
‘I miss competing and being there with the boys but … the time was right for me to finish up and I just feel very blessed to have played that great game for so long, I met some tremendous people throughout my career.
‘It has been a year now since I retired and it has just been such a special moment to spend this time with my family, my young kids, that is time that I would never have had if I was still playing football.
‘Being a stay-at-home dad has its challenges at times but it has just been incredible.
‘Having two kids scream can be challenging … you have your moments but I wouldn’t change it for the world.’
The Swans have adjusted to life without Franklin remarkably well, sitting top of the AFL ladder having lost just two games all season.
