Buddy and Cyril to reunite as Legends teams take shape

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Eight-time All-Australian and AFL great Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin will take centre stage at the 2026 Four’N Twenty Legends Game for the Australian Prostate Centre, with the superstar forward confirmed as the latest marquee signing for this year’s event.

One of the most celebrated players in AFL history, Franklin played 354 games across Hawthorn and Sydney, kicking 1,066 goals during a remarkable career that included two premierships, four Coleman Medals, eight All-Australian blazers and a place in the AFL’s exclusive 1,000-goal club.

Renowned for his spectacular athleticism, match-winning brilliance and ability to captivate crowds, Franklin’s involvement playing for the All Stars adds further firepower to a star-studded lineup for one of Australian football’s most iconic charity events.

His announcement comes as excitement continues to build for the Four’N Twenty Legends Game for the Australian Prostate Centre, which returns to Marvel Stadium on Thursday 27 August, and will again be broadcast live nationally on Seven and 7plus Sport. The event raises vital funds and awareness for the Australian Prostate Centre following a hugely successful return in 2025 that attracted more than 30,000 fans and raised more than $1 million.

SEN Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison, said Franklin’s inclusion was another major boost for the 2026 event.

“Lance Franklin is one of the biggest names the game has ever seen, and we're delighted to welcome him to this year’s Legends Game,” Hutchison said.

“Few players have entertained football fans quite like Buddy throughout his career, and his involvement will add enormous excitement to what is already shaping as a fantastic night at Marvel Stadium.

“The Legends Game is about bringing people together for a great cause, and having a player of Buddy’s stature involved helps us continue raising awareness to support world-class research collaborations and patient care at the Australian Prostate Centre.”

All Stars coach, Kane Cornes, said Franklin’s inclusion was a major coup for the team and the event.

“Buddy is one of the greatest players our game has ever seen, so having him pull on the boots for the All Stars is incredibly exciting,” Cornes said.

“What made him such a superstar was his ability to do things on a football field that very few others could, and I have no doubt fans will be looking forward to seeing him back out there at Marvel Stadium.

“The Legends Game is a fantastic occasion, but most importantly it helps raise vital funds and awareness for the Australian Prostate Centre, so we’re thrilled to have Buddy involved in supporting such an important cause.”

Both teams are starting to take shape for the highly-anticipated clash on August 27, with more names to be announced in the coming weeks.

__Victoria __

• Coach: Joel Selwood
• Captain: Brendan Fevola
• Dustin Martin
• Dyson Heppell
• Campbell Brown
• Daisy Thomas
• James Harmes

__All Stars __

• Coach: Kane Cornes
• Captain: Shane Crawford
• Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin
• Cyril Rioli
• Kate McCarthy
• Jason Akermanis
• Mitch Robinson

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