Buddy Franklin makes high-profile career move that's sure to leave the footy legend's fans in shock

Lance Franklin was famous for having as little to do with the media as possible during his legendary footy career - but now he's made a stunning career move that will see him join a former teammate in front of the camera and behind the microphone.

The 38-year-old premiership winner has teamed up with his fellow Hawthorn icon Shane Crawford to launch the weekly Buddy & Shane Show podcast, with the first instalment set to be released on Tuesday, with episodes to follow on Mondays after that.

Their show will focus on all things AFL, with the duo promising to combine humour with the sort of insight only stars of their high standing in the game can deliver.

'I never considered a traditional media role in life post-footy, but I knew I wanted to remain involved in some capacity,' Franklin said.

'When "Crawf" approached me with the concept, I didn't need much convincing. I was pretty much all in from the word go.'

Crawford - who has plenty of experience in the media and even as a stage performer - believes the duo's ability to relate to what today's stars and coaches are going through will result in quality programming.

Buddy Franklin was such a private figure during his time in the game, you could be forgiven for thinking he was allergic to microphones. Now he's getting behind one in a big career move

The Hawthorn and Swans legend (pictured after winning the 2013 grand final with the Hawks) is teaming up with a former teammate to create a new footy podcast

Franklin's fellow Hawks premiership winner Shane Crawford (pictured) is joining Buddy to give AFL fans a positive and humorous look at the sport

'The AFL media landscape has turned into a 24/7 juggernaut and so often, players and coaches are trained on what to say and how to say it down to a tee,' Crawford told News Corp.

'Our show aims to provide a lighthearted, fun and comfortable outlet for the game's best minds to speak their truth and talk to two people, in Bud and I, who can related to their on and off-field experiences.

'We are doing this because we can do it how we want and we can talk about football how we want to do it.'

Franklin said he and Crawford will aim to be positive instead of tearing down AFL stars.

'This podcast will be about the players, obviously pumping them up, supporting them - and also the coaches, too, because it's a tough game.'

The move into becoming part of the AFL media is sure to shock footy fans who know Franklin as one of the most private figures in the sport.

Since retiring he has kept a relatively low profile, using his fame to promote low-carb beer, appearing in ads for Kia cars and fronting the National Australia Bank's AFL Superkick campaign to get more kids involved in footy.

He recently opened up about Hawthorn's hot start to the season, which has them touted as premiership contenders after running up a record of four wins and one loss.

Franklin says he and Crawford will be about supporting footy players and 'pumping them up'

'Sam's a super coach. He's obviously doing some really good things - the boys are well drilled and playing some good footy,' he said of his old Hawks teammate Sam Mitchell.

Asked how he would have slotted in at the 'Hollywood Hawks', Franklin quipped: 'Pretty nicely'.

'They're doing really well. It's obviously early in the year, but if they can continue on, hopefully they can go all the way,' he said.

When pressed on whether Hawthorn could win the premiership this year, Franklin said: 'It's still very early in the season.

'If you look at since probably round six last year... their form, it's probably been one of the best besides Brisbane.

'So it's still early, there's a lot to play out but there's no doubt their best is up there.'

When asked if he was surprised by just how well fourth-year coach Mitchell was doing, Franklin said: 'No, not at all.

'Even when I was there playing, he was definitely coaching us back then.

'He's definitely ahead of the game with the way he thinks and the way he sees football.'

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