Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin has opened up to the media for the first time since his dramatic break from the AFL in September, when he missed the Sydney Swans‘ entire 2015 AFL Finals campaign.
After his exit, which put his future career in the sport in doubt, the club revealed that Franklin was dealing with an unspecified mental health illness, as well as a mild, unrelated form of epilepsy.
In an interview published on the Swans’ website, Franklin said that he is “hungry” to join his teammates on the field again, and spoke about the issues he’s faced. On the “hard three months” he’s had, the AFL star said:
“It was definitely a tough time leading into the finals … I was really struggling. I put my hand up and said I needed help. I’m so glad I did it. I took some time away and it’s the best decision I’ve made.
I’m so fortunate I did it. Obviously missing finals was tough; it was tough watching and tough not being there. But for me it was about getting myself right, getting my health back in order.”
Franklin’s personal drama played out publicly, to the point where columnist Annette Sharp published a super gross piece urging his fiancée Jesinta Campbell to postpone their wedding. He continued:
“It’s been extremely tough for myself, but the best thing I’ve done is put my hand up and get the help that I needed. If you are struggling, I’d definitely recommend that you ask for that help. It will change your life … I’m not the best communicator, I do tend to struggle communicating with people. Over these last couple of months it’s been about building those relationships and being able to communicate a little bit better. It was about getting myself right, getting my health back in order, and getting back to being happy. Now I’m hungry to get back out there.”
In an interview with Fairfax, Campbell herself address the furore surrounding her fiancée at the time, alluding to “some” in the media who made nasty and hurtful comments, and saying:
“This is something that has required a lot of privacy and, unfortunately, we haven’t really been granted that. I think, looking back on it, yes, it has hindered his recovery and his well-being, and my well-being too, and it’s just really sad that we weren’t given the respect that was needed for it.”
Franklin reported to Sydney’s pre-season training on schedule yesterday, and says he is now in a much happier frame of mind:
“It’s been a really hard three months for me but I’m feeling happy, healthy and I just got back from a nice holiday overseas. But it’s good to be back in Sydney I’m looking forward to getting into training.
“I’ve got such a great support network around me, in my partner, my family, my friends and the football club have been terrific through this tough time. The support’s been amazing.”
If you or someone you know struggles with mental illness, please visit BeyondBlue.org.au, or give them a call on 1300 22 4636
via Sydney Morning Herald
Photo: Don Arnold via Getty Images
Photo: Don Arnold via Getty Images
