Tributes flow for Buddy Franklin after AFL star reveals mental health condition

Tributes are rolling in for Sydney Swans star Lance “Buddy” Franklin after the club announced this week he was suffering an ongoing mental health condition.

Swans general manager of football Tom Harley said the club was “doing everything possible” to support Franklin who wanted to deal with the “serious but treatable” condition privately.

The club said Franklin has mild epilepsy, and suffered a mild seizure on Friday, but that was unrelated to the mental health condition he was currently facing.

The star player will miss this week’s match and a timeframe for his return is unclear.

Tributes from across the world of sports, entertainment and media are flowing on social media, wishing Franklin a speedy recovery and applauding the club for how it has supported him.

Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham took to Twitter, confirming Franklin had the club’s “full support”.

Former AFL player Brendan Fevola told Franklin to “stay strong” as “there’s a lot of people willing to help”.

Readers seeking support and information can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp