AFL legend Lance Franklin’s final act before retirement revealed as superstar goalkicker bids farewell
Olivia Shea
Published Oct 02, 2026
AFL Legend Lance Franklin's final act before retirement has been revealed as the superstar goalkicker bids farewell to the sport.
He leaves the league after 19 seasons, having burnished a reputation as one of the greatest players of all time.
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The Sydney and Hawthorn great stunned Aussie fans after announcing his immediate retirement last month.
He made the call after suffering a nasty calf injury during his side's win over Essendon FC on July 30 and told teammates the next day.
Posting the official announcement to Instagram, he wrote: "What a journey. Thanks to everyone who has been on this crazy ride with me."
However, before he steps off the footie pitch for the last time, he will be honoured with a lap of honour around the SCG during the Swan's upcoming clash with Melbourne next Sunday.
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The team have dubbed the lap the "Thanks Buddy round", with fans given one last chance to show their appreciation for the 36-year-old star.
A wall outside the club's HQ will also be dedicated as a space where supporters can write notes of thanks to him.
Swans CEO Tom Harley said: "Lance will go down as one of our club’s greatest players and we think member thank you round is the perfect opportunity for him to thank our members and fans as we pay tribute to him.
"For almost 20 years we’ve been able to witness something special whenever Lance took to the field, and we expect this occasion will be another one of those special moments."
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After his retirement he is set to move with his wife, former Miss Universe Australia Jesinta Campbell, and their two young children to the Gold Coast.
In her own social media post, Jesinta said: "So proud of my husband on what has been an incredible career.
"For 12 years footy has been such a huge part of our lives and has come with lots of highs and lows. It's been an honour to be part of the journey with you."
The forward has kicked 1,066 goals from 354 games making him the fourth-highest goalscorer in Aussie rules football's history.
After his 1000th AFL goal against Geelong last year, his loyal fans flooded the pitch to celebrate their hero.
The game will also be a chance for fans to bid farewell to Franklin's teammate Paddy McCartin, who retired this week amid ongoing concussion issues.
Meanwhile, North Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington tearfully announced his own retirement last week, one year on from beating cancer.
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