AFL legend Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin will return to competitive football in a one-off appearance for his former local club in Western Australia’s central Wheatbelt.

Franklin, who sits fourth on the AFL/VFL all-time goal-kicking list, has not played since calling time on his remarkable 354-game career at the top level in 2023.

But the 39-year-old has improved his fitness in recent months, completing the New York Marathon last November, and will lace up the boots with the Dowerin Tigers on April 18.

“I’m going to go back there and play a game,” Franklin said on his podcast with fellow former Hawthorn star Shane Crawford.

“I’m really excited about this, I never thought I’d get the opportunity to play for my junior football club.

“But it’s popped up, this opportunity. I’m really excited to get back there and have a game.”

Franklin, seen at 2025 Auskick launch, has trimmed up and recently contested the New York Marathon. (Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOS)

Franklin’s one-off appearance is designed to help raise funds to install new lighting at Dowerin’s home ground, about 156km northeast of Perth.

“It’s definitely going to bring back a lot of memories,” Franklin said.

“Obviously started there when I was six years of age.

“This is for the town itself, too, giving back. We’re going to raise $300,000.”

Franklin retired as one of the greatest players in football history, having kicked 1066 goals with Hawthorn and Sydney in a career spanning 19 seasons.

他是一位八次获得全澳最佳球员和四次获得考尔曼奖的球员，并且是 Hawks 在 2008 年和 2013 年获得总冠军时期的关键人物。