Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin has become the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to cross the magical 1000-goal barrier.
After being denied the mark last week by a stingy GWS Giants defence, Franklin was on song in the friendly confines of the SCG, bringing up the long-awaited milestone against Geelong as the Swans ran out 17. 5. (107) to 10 .11. (77) winners.
The 35-year-old joins legendary goalkickers Tony Lockett, Gordon Goventry, Jason Dunstall, Doug Wade and Gary Ablett Sr as the only players in league history to kick over 1000 career goals.
Coming into the match four goals short of the magical milestone, the champion goal-kicker reached the mark in the fourth quarter, drilling a set shot from 35m on a slight angle.
Despite security guards being stationed on the boundary all around the ground, Franklin was mobbed by thousands who set upon him after the ball sailed through the goals.
“It was actually nice to get it done. It did play on my mind a little bit,” he told Seven after kicking the goal.
“I made sure I told Chaddy Warner at half-time to lower your eyes. It was surreal. It was an amazing moment. A lot of hard work to get there, being playing for 18 years, but I wouldn’t have been able to get there without having some great teammates around me to provide the assists.
“I had a taste of Carlton Draught in my mouth from someone. It was an amazing moment, one that I’ll cherish forever.”
The crowd stampede resulted in a 33-minute stoppage, as security fought tooth and nail to get Franklin safely into the change rooms, where he was met by the rest of his team.
Franklin’s magical moment sparked tributes from all over the AFL community, including from his adversaries.
https://twitter.com/ShaunBurgoyne9/status/1507320500619735043https://twitter.com/M_Hibberd1/status/1507322898746253316https://twitter.com/jmancrisp/status/1507309233724813315https://twitter.com/stevemay_92/status/1507319396737646597https://twitter.com/masonsixtencox/status/1507316863604199426
The moment was made even more special for the Swans champion after his sister had flown in from Los Angeles to be in attendance at the SCG. Franklin’s parents as well as his wife Jesinta were also in the crowd.
Also in attendance was Franklin’s first AFL coach, legendary former Hawks mentor Alastair Clarkson, who was seen draped in a Swans scarf.
The win preserved Sydney’s unbeaten start to the season, after an impressive round one win over the GWS Giants.
Despite the match being merely a footnote in the end, it was an impressive performance from John Longmire’s team.
Callum Mills was the leading disposal-getter on the field with 29 disposals, while Jake Lloyd added 27 touches of his own.