Jesinta Franklin gives husband Buddy's fans a heartwarming behind the scenes look at his return to the MCG in a very rare public appearance with his kids

Jesinta Franklin has given footy fans a behind the scenes look at her husband Buddy's return to the MCG on Sunday, as he watched his two former clubs play each other.

Franklin broke Hawthorn hearts in 2013 when he ditched the Melbourne club for the Sydney Swans, in a bombshell $10million move that was heavily criticised by the footy world.

Many fans and pundits expected the move to fail spectacularly, but Franklin completed his long-term contract and retired last year, having become only the fifth player to kick 1,000 goals at the top level.

On Saturday morning, Franklin popped into Hawthorn's Waverley training base with his wife Jesinta and their two children, Rocky and Tallulah.

And the family were in attendance at the MCG on Sunday for the game between the Hawks and the Swans, with Franklin given a warm reception by his adoring fans.

Jesinta made several posts to social media about the emotional afternoon, including a series of video stories to Instagram.

In one clip, Rocky and Tallulah can be seen looking out at the empty MCG before the match. In another they can be seen playing with former Hawthorn teammates Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis' kids.

Franklin posed for photos with fans draped in gold and brown, while his kids also wore Hawthorn jumpers.

Since retiring from footy, the 37-year-old has relocated to the Gold Coast with his family.

The Suns had considered making a play for Franklin in an off-field role, but nothing of the sort has materialised.

Swans coach John Longmire has refuted claims of a fallout between Franklin and the club, with the forward missing his own retirement announcement last year.

'No, we hadn't had enough of Lance,' Longmire said.

'Lance has been one of the most popular players we've had at this football club, and certainly one of the best players I've ever coached.

'He was a super player for us and I had a great relationship with him which I will always treasure.

'He was 36 (when he retired). You know, strangely enough you get to the stage where you go and do other things.'

Sydney took home the spoils on Sunday night, thumping the Hawks 5.12 (42) - 18.10 (118).