AFL world sends flood of messages after Buddy and Jesinta share 'surprise' family news
AFL icon Buddy Franklin and his wife Jesinta have announced they are expecting their third child with fans congratulating the pair after the 'surprise' news. Franklin finished his AFL career back in 2023 having called time after more than 300 games with Hawthorn and the Sydney Swans.
Despite being one of the biggest names in the game, Franklin often remained out of the spotlight during his career and has enjoyed retirement since. On Tuesday, Jesinta announced the pair are expecting their third child, which has come as a surprise even to them.
Their second child, Rocky, was born back in 2021 and the latest news was shared by Jesinta on social media. "Tullulah & Rocky are getting a baby brother or sister for Christmas. The most beautiful surprise of all," she wrote to her followers.
"Our hearts are full and yet, we share this news with deep sensitivity. I know that announcements like this can be incredibly hard for those who are walking the path of infertility or loss. My heart is with you, always." The announcement came with a video showing Jesinta's silhouette with their kids running around.
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Jesinta went into detail about the struggles of pregnancy and admitted their third child was a lovely surprise for the growing family. 'Even though we thought we were happy and done with two beautiful children we have been lucky enough to add another to the family,' she wrote.
'Life works in mysterious ways and I'm leaning into this next chapter with a grateful heart. Lulu and Rocky are beside themselves and can't wait to meet their baby. Keeping the gender a surprise this time round.'
Former Swans teammates Nick Blakey and Tom Papley were quick to congratulate the pair after the announcement. Swans great Nick Davis also congratulated them with a cheeky comment about wanting to see a comparison of Franklin's belly, mirroring Jesinta's video announcement. 'Don't even... he's rude and training for a marathon so I'm a blob and he's the hottest fit dad going around,' Jesinta joked back.
After finishing up with the Sydney Swans, Franklin's family moved to the Gold Coast where he has enjoyed retirement. Franklin played 172 games for the Swans, but he also made 182 appearances for Hawthorn and is considered a legend at both clubs.
Jesinta said the roles had very much reversed between her and Buddy since he retired from the AFL, with the former Miss Universe Australia winner putting her own career on the back-burner during her husband's glittering 19-year stint in the AFL. The legendary goalkicker's wife says he's been so supportive of Jesinta pursuing her own professional goals and she's grateful to have the extra help around the house.
'Look, we're still working on picking up our dirty laundry and learning to put them in the basket,' Jesinta said. 'But no, other than that it's so nice to have him around. It's so nice to have that extra support at home as well.
'For so long I was the support system to him because footy always came first and there was just not a lot of room in his schedule to move. Now it's really nice to have that reciprocated so I can do a little bit more with my career and he can be at home with the kids.' While Franklin has remained largely out of the media, he did launch a podcast with AFL great Shane Crawford earlier this year.
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