Lance Franklin (Buddy Franklin)
Australian Football League (AFL) Legend and Coleman Medalist · Australian Rules Football - AFL
Hawthorn Football Club / Sydney Swans
Era
Modern Era - circa 2010s to present
Item Type
Sherrin Match AFL football (Size 3, 12 - 13 Years)
Condition
Good condition. The football shows minor surface dirt and handling wear, while the autograph itself exhibits slight fading and surface disruption due to the textured leather medium, but remains legible.
Rarity
Common to moderate. Lance Franklin is one of the most celebrated modern players in AFL history, but signed items from his career are widely available.
Overall Assessment
A classic, highly displayable item for an AFL enthusiast featuring one of the game's ultimate modern greats, characterized by honest wear and a clear signature.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on signature structure and standard player signing habits on synthetic footballs, though professional third-party in-person review is recommended.
Signature Style
Stylized monogram combining initials with a sweeping baseline, typical of modern high-profile professional athletes signing quickly for fans.
Signature Characteristics
Fast fluid motion with distinct upward entry loop, sharp angular middle troughs, and an elongated horizontal cross-stroke typical of modern shorthand athlete autographs.
Ink & Medium
Black ballpoint pen or fine marker, showing slight surface friction typical of writing on textured synthetic leather football panels.
Item Description
A yellow synthetic leather Sherrin junior match football featuring factory branding such as 'Match', 'Size 3', and 'Footballs Since 1907', with the signature applied cleanly to the panel above the branding.
Estimated Value
$50 - $150 USD depending on verified provenance and team association, as modern AFL signed junior footballs are common in the collector market.
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with quick fan-signed exemplars of Lance Franklin, displaying his characteristic rushed initial loop and baseline drag.
Authentication Tips
Compare the upward sweeping initial loop and the angular final stroke with verified exemplars from his playing days at Hawthorn or Sydney.
Certification Recommendation
Auskick or local Australian memorabilia authenticators, or major international houses like Beckett or JSA if entering the global market.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink interaction with the textured synthetic material matches natural hand-signing rather than a mechanical reproduction.
Provenance Notes
Value is significantly enhanced if accompanied by photographic evidence of the signing or direct acquisition from a club event or matchday.
Historical Context
Lance Franklin is widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards in AFL history, transforming the modern game with his athleticism and goal-kicking feats.
Market Trends
Stable demand driven by his historic milestone of kicking 1,000 career goals, keeping modern memorabilia related to him highly sought after by AFL fans.
Investment Potential
Moderate long-term hold. As a modern icon, his memorabilia holds sentimental and regional value, though volume of signed items prevents exponential financial appreciation.
Similar Autographs
Autographs from contemporary AFL superstars such as Dustin Martin, Patrick Dangerfield, or Gary Ablett Jr.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the yellow synthetic ball material from fading and store in a climate-controlled environment away from excessive humidity.
Interesting Facts
Franklin became only the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to kick 1,000 goals, causing a famous pitch invasion by thousands of fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Notes
AFL player