Lance "Buddy" Franklin has decided to call it a day with the announcement of his retirement, effective immediately, putting a premature end to the one-year contract extension he inked with the Sydney Swans last September.
According to The West, the highly-decorated 36-year-old — who is widely regarded as one of the greatest VFL/AFL players in history — has just informed his teammates of the decision after suffering a calf injury during the first half of Saturday's clash against Essendon.
"[He's] understood to have on told teammates he won’t play on next season, and won’t make it back in time for a farewell match in the final four rounds of the year," explains the publication's sports editor Chris Robinson.
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"The left-footer captured the imagination of many with his booming kick, turn of pace for a key forward, and ability to seize the big moment in match-winning style."
Buddy Franklin retires as an eight-time All-Australian who earned four Coleman Medals, two premierships during his time with Hawthorn (2008, 2013), as well as 1,066 goals across 354 games — making him the fourth-most prolific goalscorer in the VFL/AFL's history.
The Sydney Swans are expected to hold a press conference about the matter at 3 PM (AEST) today, although Franklin himself is unlikely to attend.
