Dowerin buzzing as Lance 'Buddy' Franklin returns to footy for childhood club

An eight-time All-Australian with two AFL premierships and more than 1,000 goals under his belt, Lance "Buddy" Franklin is used to big crowds and the spotlight.

But while Saturday's crowd of 3,500 may have been smaller than those Franklin became accustomed to during his career, their passion was in no way diminished as they gathered to see him pull on the boots for his junior club, the Dowerin Tigers.

He was joined by close friend and Brownlow medallist Shane Crawford and fellow Dowerin product Tom Lee as he took to the field for the first time since retiring from the AFL in 2023.

Wearing his trademark number 23, the 39-year-old Franklin received a hero's welcome as he ran out for Dowerin's season-opening clash against Gingin, in the farming town about 150km east of Perth.

Speaking to Crawford before the game, Franklin said he was relishing the chance to help out his former club.

"It is a very special moment for me and my family; it brings back so many memories just driving in today," he said.

"If I can play a small part in helping the club … that'll bring the community together even more."

Country club's huge build-up

With a year-round population of fewer than 400 people, the Hawthorn and Sydney champion has had Dowerin buzzing for weeks.

"I'm excited for the whole town, I'm excited for all the players playing tomorrow," club stalwart Ashley Jones said.

Franklin's family farmed in Ejanding, about 26km north of Dowerin, before the family moved into the town.

He moved to Perth at 15, boarding at Wesley College, before he was drafted by Hawthorn in Melbourne, where he debuted in 2005.

Mr Jones said the fact Franklin had played so much of his high-level sport away from WA made his return particularly special.

"He's such a humble man, doesn't want the limelight, doesn't want to do interviews," he said.

Dowerin reserves coach Sloan King said the buzz was comparable to the annual Machinery Field Days — the major event on the town's calendar each year.

King played junior football with Franklin for the Dowerin and Mortlock representative teams.

"Obviously, I was on the lower end, and he was on the higher end," King said.

"To get him back, and have him in and around the town, it's incredible."

Dowerin club stalwart Allan "Tiger" Anderson, 96, said Franklin's return was a huge moment.

"I'm looking forward to having a bit of a chat to Buddy, and hopefully the team has a win," he said.

"I remember him playing when he was young. He had only just started but he knew what to do with a football."

Family and community

Franklin's return and the resulting crowds and attention arguably stem from an ongoing effort by the Tigers to drive their social media presence.

Dowerin local and club volunteer Louise Hagboom had been working with the players to film material for the club's Instagram and Facebook pages.

"We've spent a lot of time trying to raise our profile on social media," Ms Hagboom said.

"The players have all really helped … it's a team effort."

When Franklin liked one of the club's posts, Ms Hagboom and the club got in contact, and his return to the club on Saturday is the result.

While the senior footy clash with Gingin will be the headline attraction, the Mortlock League contest will feature multiple teams and grades across football, netball and hockey.

Ms Hagboom said the club was deeply intertwined with the community.

"My husband has played over 300 games for Dowerin, his dad played, and his dad's dad played," she said.

Opposition excited

As for the Tigers' opposition, Gingin are more than happy to embrace the challenge of facing the superstar.

A lifelong Hawthorn supporter, defender Jaxon Saylor admitted there were some nerves at matching up on a childhood hero.

"I'm still trying to let it sink in that I might be up against him today," he said.

"I'll be trying not to geek out too much and try to focus on getting the job done. It's an awesome experience, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

Hoping to improve facilities

Franklin's return will also provide a critical opportunity to fundraise for the volunteer-run club.

Club secretary Tracy Jones said the event would help them reach their long-term goal of $300,000 to fund new lighting for their footy ground.

"It's almost like having candle-lit training sessions at night," she said.

"They're in an appalling condition at the moment."

The club hopes improved lighting and facilities will also be used for other larger events in town throughout the year.

Click here to read article