Sam Franson to hang up her boots on an exceptional SANFLW career

Glenelg Football Club’s SANFLW Captain, Sam Franson, will finish her league career at the conclusion of season 2025.

The esteemed leader looks to her professional future, finishing her SANFLW career as a careful and committed leader, reliable and consistent teammate, nurturing and supportive friend.

“Thank you to everyone across my time (at the Glenelg Football Club), you have shaped me into the person and the player I am today.”

Glenelg Football Club’s 54th SANFLW league player began her football career through schooling, like most girls of that era, the opportunity to play women’s football was few and far between. “I trialled footy at school, and eventually moved to Flinders University Football Club, then to Cove Cobras Football Club where I played for a few years.” Franson said.

In 2019, Franson was selected by coach at the time Jason Fairall, as a train-on player. Despite lacking kicking skills, Fairall believed Franson’s athletic abilities would be advantageous to a relatively new Bays side. “I didn’t know much about the SANFL at the time, I was just willing to give it a shot.”

What a worthwhile shot it was. 7-years later, now Captain for her third year in a row, Franson can reflect on a wealth of memories within her time at the Bays.

The highlight of her career being victorious in our SANFLW premiership team in 2021.

“The feeling of the final siren going. The whole team coming together. 2000 people on the oval all together. Just the best feeling in the world.” Franson reflects on that monumental day where she became part of Glenelg Football Club’s first SANFLW premiership team.

That year would be Franson’s first-year as a member of the GFCW leadership group, too. “Being voted in by my peers was a big honour.”

Franson was described to have had the ability to motivate and create a positive environment, by her coach at the time. “I wanted to bring my positive flair to the group.” Through various leadership avenues around the Club, Franson now admits that she knows how to have hard conversations whilst also building the team up.

Franson’s first captaincy role was alongside alongside premiership teammate Ellie Kellock in 2023. “I looked up to Kellock from my very first training at the Bays,” Franson had lots to learn from an experienced leader like the the three-time Captain Kellock.

“Kellock is a natural born leader and she took me under her wing. She is the heart and soul of this Club.”

Their dual captaincy worked effectively, preparing Franson for the opportunity to take reigns of the team solo in season 2024. Franson’s leadership was so commanding throughout the season that, come the State Game that year, it was her regular-season opponents who put her name forward—earning her the title of SANFLW State Captain.

Looking to her future, Franson admits it was an internal battle to make the final decision to hang up her boots on her SANFLW career.

“I have had the privilege of playing here since I was 18. I have made lifelong friends, won a premiership, and have been lucky enough to play in the state team.

“It (football) has been my life of my twenties, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” Franson told her teammates during her retirement announcement on Monday evening. The announcement came after a victorious match against Sturt the day before, making her final home game all the more special.

Head Coach Talia Radam understands the loss that such a leader will be on her group, “Sam has embodied everything Glenelg stands for – commitment, team-first actions, and resilience. Her ability to lead by example, guide players, and perform under pressure has been invaluable. She’s been our compass both on and off the field.”

Sam Franson will finish her time at the Bays having played 70+ games (2019-2025), SANFLW State Game Captain, and Premiership Player.

“It’s been the greatest honour to wear the black and gold. From my debut in 2019 through premiership highs in 2021 to captaining South Australia in 2024—this journey has defined me. I thank my teammates, coaches, and the supporters who made every memory special. I’m proud to be a Tiger for life.”

The Glenelg Football Club playing group, coaches, Board, staff, and members would like to wish the very best to Sam Franson on her next journey in life. We are incredibly lucky to have watched Sam grow into a talented player and incredible leader – who will have a lasting impact on our women’s program.