The Sydney Swans have revealed their disappointment at the decision of the City of Sydney Councils to reject plans for a planned mural for retired legend Buddy Franklin.
After 354 games and 1066 goals throughout his time as a Hawk and a Swan, Franklin retired ahead of the completion of the 2023 season, with the Western Australian now sitting fourth on the AFL all-time goal-kicking ladder.
The Daily Telegraph reported that a planned $5000 mural was going to recognise his iconic 100th goal celebration, a feat that was achieved against Geelong at the SCG in Round 2 of the 2022 season.
Franklin's mural was expected to be on a plain wall on the side of a house in Sydney's suburb of Surry Hills, at the intersection of South Dowling and Fitzroy Street, a short walk from the SCG.
In Sydney, there are already a number of murals, including one for Adam Goodes, and Josh Kennedy and a number for Sydney Roosters greats.
The proposed plans were lodged earlier this year, though were rejected by the council.
In a statement, the council claimed the plans were "โunsympatheticโ to the local area and could have โadverse impactsโ to the heritage-listed surrounding areas."
โThe development has not demonstrated design excellence (and) is considered to be an advertisement,โ the finding stated.
โAs such, the development is prohibited.โ
Within their own statement, the Swans claimed to have have been left very disappointed at the council's denied tribute to one of the greats of the game and one of the best players for the Swans.
โWhile the Sydney Swans respect the council's decision it's a disappointing outcome,โ a Sydney Swans spokeswoman said.
โWe believe the mural would have made a wonderful contribution to the street art through Surry Hills.
โThis mural was simply intended as a tribute to one of the greatest players we have seen.โ
Apparition Media advertising agency has designed a proposed idea of an image to show the moment when Franklin kicked his 1000th goal and thousands of fans ran onto the field.
โIt is this powerful image that we propose to bring to life in a public mural, thereby inspiring future generations and showcasing the extraordinary rewards of hard work and perseverance,โ the plans stated.
โGiven the site's proximity to Moore Park and the Sydney Swans' home ground, the proposed mural is appropriate and relevant as Sydney AFL supporters will often travel past it.โ
The decision by the council was made after a range of different feedback about the mural from Surry Hill residents.
