Country town buzzing as Lance Franklin returns to footy

ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt

Lance "Buddy" Franklin runs out for his first game for the Dowerin Tigers in more than two decades. (ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt: Eliza Bidstrup)

Considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lance "Buddy" Franklin grew up on the outskirts of Dowerin in WA's Wheatbelt.

After retiring from the AFL in 2023 with more than 1,000 goals, he's returned to the Dowerin Tigers for one final game at the age of 39.

The club is hoping the interest in Buddy's return will help raise $300,000 to buy new lighting for the football ground.

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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.

Franklin played his junior footy in Dowerin, before a career that took him to Hawthorn and Sydney. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)

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.

"For my kids to be here and see where their dad started footy is a moment they'll cherish forever too.

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

The 354 game veteran's return sparked a banner day for Dowerin, running out 33-point winners over Gingin.

The Tigers prevailed 11.5.71 to the Eagles 5.8.38, with Franklin kicking a goal in the first quarter.

Franklin faces off in a contest with a Gingin opponent during the first half. (Supplied: Tony McDonough)

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.

Organisers said spectators drove from as far afield as Geraldton and Hyden to attend the game. (ABC Great Southern: Mark Bennett)

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.

Dowerin local and footy club volunteer Ashley Jones says the community is buzzing over Franklin's return. (ABC Great Southern: Mark Bennett)