Inside the multi-million dollar empire of Buddy Franklin and wife Jesinta as the AFL legend retires from the sport

AFL great Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin announced his retirement from the sport this week.

But even though he parted ways with his $10 million contract with the Sydney Swans, Buddy and his model wife Jesinta certainly won’t be short of cash anytime soon.

Not only is the couple raking in big bucks thanks to lucrative endorsement deals, they also own a lavish $9 million mansion on the Gold Coast, which they’re reportedly moving into permanently.

Much of Buddy and Jesinta’s wealth comes from their brand power, with the pair picking up a slew of lucrative sponsorships over the years.

A former Miss Universe Australia, Jesinta has worked with the likes of Cadbury, Dior, Lancome, Seafolly swimwear, Swisse vitamins, Olay skincare, Armani Beauty and more.

In 2018, she famously suggested that David Jones could no longer afford to keep her on as an ambassador after a two-year partnership with the department store.

“I honestly don’t know if department stores still have the budget,” she told the Daily Telegraph at the time.

“I’m thrilled to be able to work alongside the likes of Harrolds and wear the best of the best,” she added.

Buddy has followed in his wife’s footsteps by landing some big endorsement deals over the years.

In addition to working with Jesinta on a joint Dior ambassadorship, the former Swans captain has also collaborated with luxury Swiss watch company Zenith and headphone brand Beats by Dre.

Franklin also signed a nine-year contract with the Sydney Swans in 2013 worth an eye-watering $10 million, which was a record amount at the time.

He earned another payday last year by signing for an additional year until 2023.

Their combined earnings allowed the Franklins to purchase a $9 million mansion on the Gold Coast, dubbed “Villa Casa” by Jesinta.

The house, which was on the market for just six days before the Franklins bought it, features seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and sweeping views of the city.

In February, 31-year-old Jesinta shared a video of her setting up a floral display in the stone kitchen, which features a curved island bench, all-black cabinets and pantry.

The mother-of-two walked down a light-filled hallway with floor-to-ceiling arched windows and sheer white curtains, then into the kitchen and living room.

The home features high ceilings throughout, whitewashed walls, dark hardwood floors, and feature arches.

Gold is used for the lights and taps, adding a touch of elegance.

The architecturally designed estate has modern touches, including a glamorous terrace and swimming pool, and traditional features such as a stone fireplace.

Former beauty queen Jesinta has always been smart when it comes to money and owned her first home at the age of 21.

“If you don’t have a home, there’s nothing wrong with that, but that was my goal and what I worked towards and I made sure to educate myself about the costs,” she told news.com.au in 2018.

This week, legendary Sydney and Hawthorn key striker Buddy Franklin retired after injuring his calf in Saturday night’s win over Essendon.

Franklin went to the club on Monday to tell his teammates, but one of the game’s most marketable talents did not participate in a media conference led by coach John Longmire and club chief Tom Harley in the afternoon.

“Everyone would have loved to have Lance available… he just doesn’t like these situations,” Longmire said.

Longmire and Harley said Franklin would eventually talk about retirement.

Franklin, who won two premierships with the Hawks in 2008 and ’13, belongs in the conversation with Graham “Polly” Farmer and former Swans teammate Adam Goodes as the game’s greatest native player.

The 36-year-old is fourth on the list of all-time best goal kickers with 1066 goals from his 354 games.