Sydney fans have actually offered Lance Franklin a stiring send-off as the retired great finished a lap of honour at half-time of the AFL suit versus Melbourne.
The Swans faithful applauded, slapped as well as swung passionately to pay homage to an emotional Franklin that was seen to dropped a tear as he walked the SCG limit line with his other half Jesinta as well as their 2 youngsters on Sunday.
His previous train at Hawthorn, Alastair Clarkson, was viewing intently from the grandstand as his protégé got an applause from a jam-packed home at the ground where he produced many remarkable minutes.
“It’s come to an end and I feel incredibly grateful to have played this game for 19 years. I’m a little overwhelmed,” he informed Channel Seven.
“There is a great deal of effort enters into it, a very long time playing footy.
“It’s definitely extremely to be below as well as see our fans out below today. It is definitely amazing.”
Franklin was stepping back into the public eye for the first time since announcing his retirement with immediate effect on July 31 after sustaining a calf injury against Essendon two days earlier.
The former Sydney and Hawthorn forward did not attend the press conference that confirmed his retirement, with Swans coach John Longmire and chief executive Tom Harley fronting up to honour him.
But fans welcomed the possibility to program Franklin their recognition of an impressive profession that consisted of 172 suits in 10 periods with the Swans after 182 ready Hawthorn.
Spectators were also able to write messages of thanks to their retiring hero on a wall outside the Swans’ headquarters a short walk away from their home turf.
“Coming from the shrub in Western Australia, I possibly never ever believed this is feasible,” Franklin claimed.
“As I claimed, to play 19 years, at 2 great clubs, I am extremely happy.”
After debuting in 2005, Franklin kicked 1,066 goals in 354 matches to sit fourth on the list of the all-time leading VFL/AFL goalkickers.
The spearhead set off wild scenes at the SCG last season when he became just the sixth player to reach 1,000 VFL/AFL goals.
Franklin won two premierships with Hawthorn before moving to Sydney on a landmark nine-year deal.
The 36-year-old is an eight-time All-Australian and a four-time Coleman Medal winner.
ABC/AAP
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