Former AFL superstar Lance “Buddy” Franklin and his wife, Jesinta Franklin, were recently spotted enjoying a coffee and smoothie run in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The outing marked a return to the bustling city for the couple, who have largely embraced a more secluded farm lifestyle in Queensland since retiring from the public eye.
A Glimpse of Family Life in Bondi
The couple, who have traded city living for a rural property, were seen in Bondi over the weekend with their young family. Buddy Franklin, 39, was pictured as a doting father, carrying their eight-month-old son, Bam, in a baby carrier strapped to his chest. Jesinta Franklin, 35, appeared radiant and makeup-free, seemingly enjoying the brief return to Sydney. She was dressed stylishly in a casual ensemble featuring beige trousers, a short-sleeve cashmere sweater, and chocolate brown suede loafers.
This rare public appearance offered a glimpse into the Franklin family’s life as they navigate a post-football era. Having previously lived in Sydney, the couple relocated to a farm on the Coomera River in the Gold Coast hinterland, seeking a different pace of life away from the intense scrutiny that often accompanies elite athletes.
Retirement and the Shift to Rural Living
Lance Franklin, one of the AFL’s most decorated players, retired in 2023 after an illustrious career. His achievements include 354 games, 1066 goals, four Coleman Medals, eight All-Australian selections, and two premierships with Hawthorn. Despite his significant success in the sport, Franklin has spoken openly about finding greater fulfillment in his current life.
“I loved playing football, I’ll never say I didn’t,” Franklin shared in a previous interview. “But this… this is better for me.” He described his new life on a rural property in southeast Queensland as a happy swap from the relentless spotlight of professional football. The move to acreage near the Coomera River represents a conscious decision to return to the kind of upbringing both he and Jesinta experienced.
Roots in Rural Upbringings
Buddy Franklin grew up in Dowerin, a small town in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region. Jesinta Franklin spent her childhood in Clagiraba, a community within the Gold Coast hinterland. The couple’s decision to establish their family home on a farm reflects a desire to provide their children with a similar environment.
Prioritizing a Farm Lifestyle for Children
Jesinta Franklin has previously articulated the family’s choice to embrace a farm lifestyle for their three children: Tallulah, six, Rocky, five, and baby Bam. She believes this environment offers the optimal setting for young children to grow up. “There’s no better way to grow up,” she stated, emphasizing the benefits of a rural upbringing.
The youngest of the Franklin children, Bam, was born in December of the previous year. His name was inspired by NBA star Bam Adebayo, a name Lance Franklin heard while watching basketball during Jesinta’s pregnancy.
Buddy Franklin’s New Role as Full-Time Father
Since retiring from the AFL, Lance Franklin has embraced his role as a full-time father. Following his retirement, Jesinta encouraged him to take a year before committing to future endeavors, such as media or coaching roles. This period allowed him to transition away from the demands of professional sport.
During this time, while Jesinta focused on her business ventures and media commitments, Buddy took on a significant share of the daily parenting responsibilities. He has expressed his enjoyment of this new phase, stating, “I’ve loved it. Don’t get me wrong, I loved playing footy, but I’ve seen the older kids grow up spending nearly every day with them.” This hands-on approach to fatherhood has clearly been a rewarding experience for him.
Diversifying Interests Beyond Football
Beyond family life and parenting, the Franklins have also ventured into business. They have invested in the honey brand, Honey for Life, and have become ambassadors for health and wellness initiatives associated with insurer AIA. These endeavors demonstrate their engagement in various sectors outside of sport.
Continued Connection to Football
Despite his retirement and shift in lifestyle, Buddy Franklin maintains a strong connection to the sport that defined his career. Earlier this year, he returned to his hometown of Dowerin to participate in a charity football match. The event drew thousands of spectators and successfully raised over $200,000 for local sporting facilities, highlighting his enduring impact and commitment to community initiatives.
The recent visit to Bondi signifies that while the Franklins have established a fulfilling life away from the AFL spotlight, they still maintain ties to their former city and enjoy moments of connection with their past life.
