AFL legend Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin may have found himself a new career, and it’s well away from the football field.
In a video that was leaked on Reddit, Franklin was behind the camera in a kitchen, donning an apron while kneading dough.
It’s a big change up from his premiership days with Hawthorn and Sydney.
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It’s suggested that Franklin is simply part of an advertisement campaign, but others have hinted that the 37-year-old could be a part of a new cooking show.
The cameo is rumoured to be part of a new TV campaign for the beer company, Hahn, which is set to be officially revealed on Friday.
Buddy Franklin has been spotted in the kitchen and behind the camera, in a shock career move. 7
Franklin retired during the 2023 season after injurying his calf, closing the chapter on one of the most decorated and exciting careers in the game’s history.
The superstar forward played for both the Hawks and Swans, kicking 1066 goals across 354 games, winning two premierships, eight All-Australian blazers and four Coleman Medals during an illustrious career.
Back in March, 9News’ chief football reporter Tom Morris declared the Swans were over Franklin in his final season with the club, before retiring.
Speaking on Nine’s Footy Furnace, Morris said that the Swans and Franklin were ready to split after the forward signed a one-year contract extension in 2022.
Buddy Franklin retired in 2023 after an injury-ridden season. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“The Swans would never say this publicly, because Buddy was so good for them for so long, but make no mistake, the Swans had had enough of Buddy last year,” he said.
“They were ready to move on from Buddy last year.”
However, Swans coach John Longmire was quick to laugh off Morris’ comments at the time, declaring his love and respect for the 354-gamer has not ever waivered.
“I love Lance, he was a super player for us,” Longmire said.
“I personally had a great relationship with him which I will always treasure.”
Lance Franklin. Getty
In April, Franklin completed his last official football act, undertaking a lap of honour in front of adoring Hawthorn and Sydney fans at the MCG, during their clash.
The Swans went on to defeat the Hawks by 76 points, but all eyes were on Buddy.
“It was really important to me. I wanted to come back and thank all the Hawthorn fans,” Franklin told friend and former Hawthorn teammate Jordan Lewis.
Franklin was a six-time leading goalkicker at the Hawks and a seven-time winner with Sydney during an illustrious AFL career.