Buddy Franklin's iconic career in pictures: $10 million deal that changed the AFL forever
Lance 'Buddy' Franklin will go down as one of the greatest players to ever grace an AFL field and on July 31 that career came to a sad ending.
From kicking over 1000 goals, winning two grand finals, representing his country and culture, Franklin's status in the game is unrivalled.
In his retirement press conference, John Longmire described him as "shy" and "modest" and that was Buddy off the field but on the field was a confident presence who could change the game in the blink of an eye.
Scroll on to see the images that marked defining moments in the legend's astonishing career.
Baby faced Buddy
Alastair Clarkson with draftees Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin after the National AFL 2004 draft. Franklin was selected with the No.5 pick.
First premiership glory
Lance Franklin kisses his premeriship medal after Hawthorn's 2008 grand final victory over Geelong.
One of the greats
Lance Franklin celebrates kicking his 13th goal during an incredible match against North Melbourne in round 10 of the 2012 AFL season.
Grand final devastation
Lance Franklin (left) reacts after his side's loss to Sydney Swans in the 2012 AFL grand final.
The last dance
Lance Franklin and Brent Guerra celebrate their 2013 AFL Grand Final victory over Fremantle. This would turn out to be Franklin's last ever grand final win and final appearance in a Hawks singlet.
A phenomenal partnership
Alastair Clarkson and Lance Franklin celebrate their 2013 grand final victory during the Hawthorn Hawks Fan Day.
Forever the AFL's most influential players
Lance Franklin and Adam Goodes pose in their AFL Indigenous Australian Rules Squad outfit at the announcement at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in 2013.
Buddy's national pride
Lance Franklin during his one and only appearance for Australia International Rules Test between Ireland and Australia in 2013.
The $10 million man
The Buddy Franklin affect was evident at his first media conference as a Swan, with fans lining up for photos in October 2013 when he signed a nine year, $10 million deal to play for Sydney.
At the time he signed the contract there were critics who claimed his powers would wane well before he got to the end of such a monster deal. But in the end he got through it so well that the Swans re-signed him on a one-year extension.
