Former AFL superstar Lance “Buddy” Franklin is one of the greatest players in Australian football history, but away from the spotlight he is also a devoted husband and father. His wife, Jesinta Franklin, has built an impressive career of her own as a model, entrepreneur and television personality, making the pair one of Australia’s most recognized celebrity couples.
Since Buddy retired from professional football at the end of the 2023 AFL season, the Franklin family has embraced a new chapter focused on raising their children, running businesses and enjoying a quieter lifestyle away from the pressures of elite sport.
Here’s a closer look at Buddy Franklin’s wife, their relationship, family life and what they are doing today.
Who Is Jesinta Franklin?
Jesinta Franklin, formerly known as Jesinta Campbell, first gained national attention after winning the Miss Universe Australia title in 2010.
Later that year, she represented Australia at the Miss Universe competition, finishing as the second runner-up. The achievement helped launch a successful career in fashion, television and brand partnerships.
Over the years, Jesinta has worked as a model, presenter, businesswoman and corporate ambassador while also becoming a respected voice on health, wellbeing and parenting.
Her career has continued to evolve beyond modeling, with growing involvement in business investments and entrepreneurial ventures.
How Buddy and Jesinta Met
Buddy Franklin and Jesinta began dating in 2012 after being introduced through mutual connections.
Because both were already well-known public figures, their relationship attracted considerable media attention from the beginning. Despite the spotlight, they largely kept their personal lives private and focused on building a strong relationship.
After several years together, the couple became engaged before exchanging vows in November 2016 during a private wedding ceremony attended by close family and friends.
The surprise ceremony generated widespread interest across Australia, with many fans learning about the marriage only after it had taken place.
Building a Family Together
Family has become the central focus of Buddy and Jesinta’s lives.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Tallulah, in February 2020. Their son Rocky followed in March 2021, bringing even more joy to the growing family.
On Christmas Eve in December 2025, they welcomed their third child, affectionately known as “Bam.”
Jesinta frequently shares insights into family life, discussing both the rewards and challenges of raising three young children while balancing professional commitments.
The couple have spoken openly about supporting one another as their family continues to grow.
Life After Buddy’s AFL Retirement
Buddy Franklin officially retired from Australian Rules football in 2023 after one of the sport’s most celebrated careers.
His retirement marked a significant lifestyle change for the entire family.
Rather than stepping immediately into another full-time football role, Buddy has embraced fatherhood and now spends much of his time caring for the children while Jesinta continues expanding her business interests.
Jesinta has described this arrangement as a true partnership, explaining that Buddy’s hands-on role at home allows her to focus on work projects and business opportunities.
She has also spoken about how retirement has given the family more quality time together after years of demanding AFL schedules.
Jesinta’s Growing Business Career
Although many Australians first knew Jesinta through beauty pageants and modeling, she has increasingly established herself as an entrepreneur.
She collaborates with several major brands while also investing in business ventures, including Honey For Life, a company focused on premium Australian honey products.
Alongside commercial partnerships, Jesinta has built a strong presence across digital media, where she shares content about parenting, wellness, fitness and everyday family life.
Her ability to balance business responsibilities with raising three children has earned praise from many working parents.
A New Home in the Hinterland
Following Buddy’s retirement, the Franklin family decided to make a major lifestyle change by relocating to a rural property in the Gold Coast hinterland.
They purchased a hobby farm in Guanaba after selling their luxury coastal residence.
The property offers significantly more outdoor space, allowing the children to grow up surrounded by nature, horses, bees and farm animals.
The move reflects the couple’s desire to provide a quieter childhood for their family while remaining close to the Gold Coast community they now call home.
Jesinta has described the rural setting as a peaceful environment where the family can enjoy a slower pace of life.
Supporting Each Other Through Change
One of the defining features of Buddy and Jesinta’s relationship has been their willingness to adapt as different stages of life have unfolded.
During Buddy’s playing career, Jesinta often adjusted her own schedule around football commitments. Since his retirement, the balance has shifted, with Buddy taking on more responsibilities at home while Jesinta pursues new professional opportunities.
Both have acknowledged that maintaining open communication and supporting each other’s ambitions has helped strengthen their marriage over the years.
Their approach has become an example of modern family teamwork, where responsibilities are shared rather than defined by traditional roles.
One of Australia’s Most Recognized Couples
More than a decade after they first started dating, Buddy and Jesinta Franklin remain one of Australia’s best-known celebrity couples.
While Buddy’s achievements on the football field secured his place among AFL legends, Jesinta has continued building an impressive career across business, media and entrepreneurship.
Together they have successfully navigated public attention, parenthood and career changes while prioritizing family life.
Today, the Franklins are focused less on headlines and more on creating a stable, happy home for their three children. Their journey from elite sport and international modeling to rural family living highlights how both have embraced a new chapter built around partnership, parenting and life beyond the spotlight.