Buddy Franklin discusses having more children and the evolution of his marriage with Jesinta

He became a father for the second time this year after welcoming his son Rocky with wife Jestina.  

And Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, 34, has lifted the lid on his experiences as a father, husband and footy star in an illuminating interview with Daily Mail Australia. 

Discussing what he loves most about fatherhood, the talented sportsman said: ‘I love everything about being a dad. But the evolution in my relationship with Jes [Jesinta] from being a couple to a family is really special and rewarding, too.’ 

‘I’m lucky’: Buddy Franklin, 34, has lifted the lid on his experiences as a father, husband and footy star in an illuminating interview with Daily Mail Australia 

Praising Jesinta as an ‘incredible mum’ to their children Rocky, four months, and Tullulah, one, Buddy enthused: ‘Jes is one of the most loving and caring people I know’ 

‘I’m lucky to have such a great partner to share this journey with,’ he added. 

Meanwhile, when quizzed on the secret to a happy marriage, the Sydney Swans star replied with a refreshingly honest response. 

Discussing what he loves most about fatherhood, the talented sportsman said: ‘I love everything about being a dad. But the evolution in my relationship with Jes [Jesinta] from being a couple to a family is really special and rewarding, too’  

Perfect match! Praising his wife Jesinta (right) as an ‘incredible mum’ to their children Rocky, four months, and Tullulah, one, Buddy enthused: ‘Jes is one of the most loving and caring people I know’

‘I’m not sure there is a secret…. Every relationship has its hurdles, and we all react differently to situations so it’s important to talk things through and keep an open mind,’ he said. 

‘Having such busy schedules, it’s also important to us to set aside time as a couple, and as a family,’ Buddy added. 

And while Buddy may not be planning to have any more children in the immediate future, he’s still keeping his options wide open.  

Thankful: ‘I’m lucky to have such a great partner to share this journey with,’ Buddy said of his wife 

‘We have our hands full right now with two under two… but who knows what the future will bring’, he said cryptically. 

Elsewhere in the interview Buddy shared his retirement plans, revealing he’d still like to be involved in the AFL. 

‘I would like to remain in the footy sphere, I love the game and the people within it,’ he gushed.  

‘Who knows what the future will bring?’ And while Buddy may not be planning to have any more children in the immediate future, he’s still keeping his options wide open. Pictured: Buddy and his daughter Tullulah, one 

‘I would like to remain in the footy sphere’: Elsewhere in the interview Buddy shared his retirement plans, revealing he’d still like to be involved in the AFL 

Buddy also said he hopes to impart his love of AFL upon his children in future, but won’t pressure them to follow in his footsteps by becoming athletes. 

‘I just want them to enjoy the game’, he said. ‘Being able to bond over something I love and share that with them will be enough.

Buddy’s interview comes after he was recently named an ambassador for Vicks VapoRub and the brand’s new cold and flu product, Vicks Immune Cold Defence. 

Spruiking the brand last month, Buddy wrote on Instagram: ‘Between footy and family, I can’t afford to get struck down by a cold.’ 

He continued: ‘Which is why I’m excited to announce my partnership with @Vicks_ANZ and their trusted range of effective and preventative products,’ he wrote to Instagram last month. 

Ambassador: Buddy’s interview comes after he was recently named an ambassador for Vicks VapoRub and its new product, Vicks Immune Cold Defence

Brand partner: ‘Between footy and family, I can’t afford to get struck down by a cold which is why I’m excited to announce my partnership with @Vicks_ANZ and their trusted range of effective and preventative products,’ Buddy wrote to Instagram last month.