Buddy calls time

Sydney star Lance Franklin has announced his retirement. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)

SYDNEY and Hawthorn AFL great Lance Franklin has retired, with the Swans calling a media conference for Monday afternoon.

The 36-year-old was subbed out of Saturday night’s win over Essendon with a calf injury and he has told teammates his career is over.

Franklin, who won a premiership with the Hawks in 2008, is one of the game’s greatest Indigenous players and finished fourth among the AFL’s goalkickers with 1066 goals from his 354 games.

He stunned the game at the end of the 2013 season by signing a massive nine-year deal with the Swans.

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