Hawthorn fans were hostile towards Lance 'Buddy' Franklin when he left the club as a two-time premiership winner for the seemingly greener pastures of the Sydney Swans, but those same fans have thrown their support behind a player who still holds a special place in their hearts.
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As news came to light on Tuesday that Franklin - arguably the AFL's best player - suffered an epileptic fit on Friday before making himself unavailable for the Swans' final against Fremantle, supporters, be they Buddy-lovers or Buddy-haters, offered their most sincere well-wishes.
Criticism of Franklin's decision to step away from the game indefinitely has been almost non-existent.
Fans from all different clubs have thrown their utmost support behind Franklin on social media and passed on a clear message that the entire AFL community is with, and not against him, as he tackles his biggest off-field hurdle.
"I'm a hawks supporter but I'll always be a Buddy fan," wrote Laura Schembri on the Swans official Facebook page. "Best wishes Buddy."
"Do what you need to do Buddy," wrote another user. "Stay well....come back strong. I wish you were still with the Hawks.......but just do what is good for you. Champion."
There was overwhelming support for Franklin from his new fans at Sydney, but the well wishes from those at Hawthorn shows that the issue of mental health transcends club rivalry and any bitterness in the past.
Sporting identities and celebrities were also quick to let the 28-year-old know he wasn't alone in his battle with mental illness and applauded his decision to go public about how he is coping.
@Buddy_Franklin All the Hawks fans are behind you mate there is no hill that you cannot overcome when you have great support #forzabuddy— Kaz Bilos (@kazbilos)
September 8, 2015
@Buddy_Franklin All us Hawks supporters are wrapping their arms around you.— tish (@oztish)
September 8, 2015
From a #hawks supporter, rest up @Buddy_Franklin #afl community are behind you all the way #beyondblue #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness— Jamie McNair (@JMACCA80)
September 8, 2015
Sending love and strength to my absolute brother @Buddy_Franklin I'm proud of you and love you.— Ruby Rose (@RubyRose)
September 8, 2015
Wishing @Buddy_Franklin the best. Having been through similar experience there's a lot of people willing to help mate. Stay strong bud— Brendan Fevola (@BrendanFevola25)
September 8, 2015
Sad 2 hear Buddy Franklin ruled out 2 deal with mental issues Hope people respect delicate situation The surface not always true reflection!— Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969)
September 8, 2015
The good thing is the fact that Buddy has taken ownership of his condition and will get the appropriate help. Credit to him at tough time.— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn)
September 8, 2015
