STILL PASSIONATE: BUDDY’S KEY TO SUCCESS
LANCE Franklin has revealed the simple reason behind his extraordinary success ahead of him crashing through the magical 1000-goal barrier.
The Swans legend starts the new season only five goals short of joining Tony Lockett (1360), Gordon Coventry (1299), Jason Dunstall (1254), Doug Wade (1057) and Gary Ablett (1031) in exclusive company.
Franklin is the star attraction on the seasonopening episode of Yokayi Footy, where new co-host and former Tiger and Magpie Andrew Krakouer interviews him.
“It was my first interview with the co-host duties at Yokayi, so understanding what a presence Lance is and how much of a legend he is in our game, I was a touch nervous,” Krakouer said.
“He’s not a man who does too much media – he’s pretty private – so it was good to have a bit of a chat and get some insight for the fans on his little ones, his culture and being five goals off 1000.”
Asked about the impending milestone, Franklin tells Krakouer he wants to “get it done early in the season” but plans to celebrate with family and close friends.
The ex-Hawk talks about how much the game has changed at the elite level throughout his career, why he thinks he has succeeded, and his great hopes for young Swan Logan McDonald.
“You need to have drive and you need to be passionate about what you do. I think that’s one thing over my career I have been,” Franklin told Yokayi.
“From the day dot when I was drafted to now, I’m still passionate. When I wake up every morning; I want to get out there and do my best.”
Franklin, a proud NoongarWajak man, was also expansive about how important it was to him that his children, Tullulah and Rocky, knew about their heritage.
Krakouer believes the 35year-old champion’s football journey from regional town Dowerin to playing in the WAFL for the Perth Demons then eventually the AFL was “relatable” to a lot of Aboriginal people.
“He is loved by everyone who follows football, especially Aboriginal and Noongar people, who are so proud to be able to see that someone from where they come from … do such special things on a footy field,” he said.
“He’s sixth on the all-time goalkicking list at the moment, behind Gary Ablett. If you look at a couple of the names in front of him, they’re absolute stars.
“To be the first Aboriginal man, the first Noongar-Wajak man, to be on that list and then possibly kick 1000 is huge for our mob and huge for Aboriginal people across Australia.”