HAWTHORN star Lance Franklin says running out for the Hawks in the AFL’s Indigenous Round is a proud moment for all Indigenous players and their families.
Speaking at the Ricoh Centre on Tuesday morning, it was a different Lance Franklin and probably not one many have seen before.
Usually, it’s freak goals, contracts and his on field performance at the centre of media appearances for the 26 year old, but the focus this time was on his heritage, something he reflects on with honesty and at times, emotion.
A member of the Indigenous Advisory Board, Franklin takes great pride in his role as a leader amongst the AFL’s Indigenous community.
He says the recognition for the role played by Indigenous AFL players both past and present is an important both for the players and for their families.
“It’s a massive week, especially for the Indigenous people - it’s a great week,” Franklin said on Tuesday.
“We’ve got seven Indigenous guys on our list at Hawthorn and they bring so much to the football club and (in general) the Indigenous guys bring so much to the game.
“It’s a proud moment for us and all our families.”
Family is an important part of Franklin’s life, with his father and Indigenous heritage central to the images displayed in his sleeve tattoo.
He says representing his family in the AFL’s Indigenous Round is something he can’t wait to do on Sunday.
“It’s something that I look forward to and all the boys at this club look forward to, going out there and representing our families,” he said.