Sydney’s 1000 goal hero Lance Franklin has brushed off safety concerns in the wake of his milestone moment, saying he felt safe throughout.
“I was lapping it up, to be honest with you,” he told reporters on Monday as the prized Sherrin was returned to him in a ceremony at the SCG.
During the fourth quarter, the Swans superstar was swarmed by thousands of fans on the pitch at the SCG as he slotted his fourth goal of the night, having started the day on 996.
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“When I kicked the 100 goals in 2008, at that stage I was very young and I thought if I ever got to the 1000 goals, I’m really going to enjoy it,” he said.
“I really soaked it up. At no stage for me personally was I nervous or scared of the crowd. It was just a special moment, absolutely loved it. A lot of the boys involved would have thought the same.
“From where I was, everyone seemed in really good spirits and was happy. I didn’t feel uncomfortable with the situation at all.”
It was reported yesterday that multiple Geelong players were left fearing for their own safety as thousands of spectators charged onto the SCG.
Franklin was presented with the ball that he kicked for his 1000th goal by fan Alex Wheeler, who claimed a brilliant mark and then headed home with the precious cargo.
“It was a really special night – and to receive the ball back means the world to me,” Franklin said.
“I haven’t had too much time to reflect on it just yet. Obviously it was a significant moment, I absolutely loved it.”
Wheeler said the past few days had been a blur, but that the ball was always going to be returned.
“I didn’t even think about it that night,” he said.
“It was always my intention to get it back to the Swans and to Buddy – it’s gonna be no good to me, I don’t have a pool room to put it up in unfortunately.
Some friends told him to sell it – and while it remains debatable if he even had a legal right to do so – it never crossed his mind.
“I don’t think that was the right way to go with this – I want to see it back at the SCG so the young guys playing AFL can cherish that moment and see the ball.
“You get that image of an old man taking his son to the footy and showing him the ball. I’d really like to see that happen.”
It was an emotional moment for Franklin, who spoke about his recent injury struggles, including the 2020 season where he only played ten games.
“It hasn’t been smooth sailing, that’s for sure. Obviously being in the system for 18 years, you’re going to have ups and downs,” he said.
“A couple of years ago, missing a whole year of football was disappointing but then coming back last year and playing 18 games was fantastic.
“I had a really strong pre-season just gone and I’m feeling really good, and positive with where I’m at.”