Overview
- Franklin announced the plan on his Buddy & Shane Show podcast, marking his first game since retiring from the AFL in 2023.
- He described the appearance as a way to give back to the town where he began playing at age six.
- Media reports say the match is slated for April 18, with WAFL premiership player Tom Lee also expected to feature, though those details await formal confirmation.
- The 39-year-old ended his elite career with 1,066 goals from 354 games, plus four Coleman Medals and eight All-Australian selections.
- Dowerin, about 156 km northeast of Perth, fields the Tigers in the Mortlock Football League, which missed the 2025 finals.