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Buddy’s heritage

As one of the biggest names in today’s football landscape, Lance “Buddy” Franklin continuingly impresses with his freakish goals, athleticism and skill.  But despite football fame, Buddy doesn’t forget where he has come from and has honoured this with the tattoos on his arms.

“I wanted a tattoo from a young age and I wanted something that meant something to me.”

Buddy also honours his heritage through frequent visits to Aboriginal communities.

“It’s always good to get back to Alice Springs, Darwin, there’s so many Aboriginals up here, I give back to the kids because I remember being their age and seeing West Coast Eagles players coming to the communities I was at, it’s something that you never forget, it’s always good giving back to the community.”

“AFL is one of the best jobs you can have, I remember the boys saying don’t worry it will go quickly, which it surely has but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.  Hawthorn have been a great footy club, the people I’ve met along the way, the experiences I’ve had are unbelievable.”

Despite reaching the ultimate football glory in 2008, the pain of losing last year’s grand final is something that has kept him motivated in season 2013.

“Falling short last year was one of the low points in my career, getting so close and to lose by that much was disappointing, that’s my goal this year- to win the premiership with Hawthorn.”

Buddy has come a long way from being a junior footballer in Perth admiring the West Coast Eagles  to become one of the premier players in the game.

Words by Zoe Dunstan