Buddy Franklin makes surprise return to footy just 12 months after walking away from the game

Buddy Franklin has announced his return to football, just 12 months after retiring from the AFL.

Franklin, 37, made an emotional retirement from the sport last August after a legendary career that saw him score 1,066 goals in 19 seasons at the top level with Hawthorn and Sydney.

The former striker has since relocated to the Gold Coast with his young family, although he plans to sell his $9 million luxury home to try farming.

And now the 37-year-old has been appointed official ambassador for Superkick, a program described as Auskick’s ‘cooler older brother’, which will help 10,000 children.

The program is intended for children between the ages of eight and twelve who want to develop their football skills or who have come into contact with football for the first time.

AFL Superkick bans tackling, has small teams and a shorter season and aims to provide a good first step into the sport.

Franklin visits schools and goes out into the community to ‘put smiles on children’s faces.’

“When I retired I obviously wanted to take a deep breath. I’ve obviously had that year off now and the last few months I’ve probably been looking at getting involved in football again in some way,” he said.

“When this opportunity came up, I jumped at it and thought, ‘You know what? This is going to work out really well for me.’

“I really want to help young kids and see the sport grow as much as possible across Australia. It’s great to be here at the school today and play with the kids.

‘I’m looking forward to the coming months.’

Franklin also emphasized the benefits the program has for children.

“I think the most important thing is seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces… and also getting out there and making new friendships,” he said.

“I think that’s the most important thing. Being active, getting outside and making new friends, that’s really important in this program.”