The legendary Lance “Buddy” Franklin has declared his football career is “officially done” after a remarkable comeback appearance for his junior side on Saturday.

More than 20 years since he had last pulled on Dowerin’s yellow and black guernsey, the AFL icon made his way back to the Wheatbelt to line up for his hometown club in their Mortlock Football League season opener.

He kicked one goal and played a role in several others as the Tigers ran out 11.6 (72) to 5.8 (38) winners over Gingin in front of more than 3500 fans.

Speaking to his Hawthorn premiership teammate Shane Crawford after the game with his daughter Tullulah at his side, the 39-year-old joked he felt “every bit” of his age.

“I was tounging it, I’ll tell you that much,” Franklin said.

“What a turnout. It’s unbelievable to be back home, it was awesome. It brought back so many memories.

“It’s always nice to get a good win, but it was about giving back, having fun.

“Dowerin’s played a huge part in getting me to where I am in life. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the footy club, getting down here as a six-year-old kid, then working my way through the juniors. It’s a great club and it’s nice to be home.”

Franklin’s appearance as part of Dowerin’s efforts to raise $300,000 in order to install new lighting at their oval.

Minus their estimated costs, the club raised $168,615 from the game, boosting their fundraising drive beyond the $200,000 mark.

President Todd Quartermaine said they would be forever grateful for both Franklin’s contribution and the efforts put in by dozens of volunteers ahead of and on the day.

“The last fortnight, it’s been a lot of people doing a lot of hours. Before that, the main football committee and fundraising committee, it’s probably been nine months of a lot of organising,” he told The West Australian.

“To have such a good day too, we’re spoilt. It’s fantastic.”

Crawford hailed the scenes of the regional community coming together by their thousands for the afternoon as “incredible”.

“I think it’s a pretty special day, because you’re not just getting a player who has played AFL football, you’re getting one of the all-time greats,” Crawford said.

“Hopefully, everyone that’s here, you remember the day forever.”