There’s not much Lance Franklin can’t do on the football field. In a glittering 13-year career, the AFL star has won two premierships, is a six time All-Australian team member and has led the league in goal kicking three times.
Now the softly spoken full-forward is taking his talents to the world of men’s grooming as a Friend of the House of Dior.
“I think it’s important to have an identity outside of footy,” says Franklin. “There are lots of players who are starting their own ventures and aligning with brands outside of their footy careers, which is awesome. I feel pretty lucky to be working with Dior, because it’s a brand I resonate with. I wear their fragrances so to be able to forge a relationship with them is awesome.”
Franklin is speaking exclusively to MH ahead of the launch of Sauvage Very Cool Spray that comes in an unbreakable can – a good fit for Franklin’s rough and tumble lifestyle.
“It’s lightweight so I can just throw it in my footy bag . . . And the wife loves it, which is a bonus!” Franklin says.
Indeed with wife Jesinta already an established style icon it was perhaps only natural that Franklin would eventually look to forge his own identity in this space. The 30-year-old Western Australian nominates hip-hop artists A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott as his style heroes and offers advice for guys looking to create their own signature look.
“I think for men it’s about keeping it simple with your basics and finding key pieces each season that make a statement,” he says.
So what does Franklin advise you stock in your wardrobe?
“Invest in some good hoodies and jumpers,” he says. “I like to wear mine with a leather or denim jacket. I only buy loose fitting t-shirts and have a good supply of long sleeved polos.”
While keen to further explore opportunities in fashion and grooming, right now Franklin is focused firmly on his on-field commitments, playing some of the best footy of his career.
“Looking back, the last 13 years have gone pretty fast,” he says. “But I don’t feel any different now to back then and I think my passion and love for the sport is the reason for this.”
The key to maintaining consistency over such a long career, Franklin adds, is to put in the work in preseason, targeting weaknesses and adding new facets to your game.
“Each year I actively work on improving from the year before,” he says. “We have an amazing team at the Swans who I work with on a daily basis to improve on any areas that I feel like I’m lacking in. I have incorporated more into my weight training the last couple of years and that’s been really beneficial.”
While the Swans have struggled so far this season the team has started to turn things around and Franklin remains confident they can push for a finals berth.
“It was a disappointing start to the season but the last five weeks we have played consistent football,” he says. “We’re confident in our ability to have a strong end to the season.”
Sauvage Very Cool Spray by Dior is available now.
