The following is a statement written by departing two-time Hawthorn premiership player, Lance Franklin.


This is one of the hardest things that I will ever have to do, the following fills me with great sadness, as I am saying goodbye to the Club I genuinely love and will always feel a part of.

The past nine seasons have been absolutely amazing and I have enjoyed every single minute of my time proudly wearing the brown and gold.

The decision for me to move was made after we had won the Premiership on Saturday. I felt then that the time was right for me to take on a new challenge and move away from Melbourne. Sydney is a great fit for me as I have friends and family there and I look forward to commencing my time with the Swans.  

I am forever indebted to Hawthorn Football Club; they gave me an opportunity to be part of one of the greatest football clubs in the country. Hawthorn has helped me grow, mature and learn from both the good times and the bad.

I would like to thank my teammates, as well as each and every employee at the Club from the president and the coach to the people who work behind the scenes that very few people acknowledge. Above all I want to thank the supporters, nothing has made me prouder than playing in front of our amazing fans who make this Club what it is through the victories and defeats. To the young supporters who proudly wear my number 23 on their back, stick with the Club as I am sure that there will be many great years ahead.

I have been extremely lucky in my career to be part of a successful Hawthorn team full of sensational players where we shared in two premierships. These two achievements will live with me forever and never be forgotten.  

I will always have a special bond with the Hawthorn Football Club; I wish them all the best for the future.


Lance Franklin