The career of one of the AFL’s greatest ever players came to a sad end on Monday when Lance Franklin announced his immediate retirement.
Injuries robbed the superstar of a proper farewell match, but he leaves behind an extraordinary highlight reel that few will ever match.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Buddy’s iconic goal against Essendon.
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He finishes his career with a staggering 1066 goals, which places him fourth all-time, from 354 games.
With so many iconic goals and moments to choose from, limiting this list to seven was no easy feat.
1000th goal – Round 2, 2022
Buddy achieved what only five other players in VFL/AFL history have done when he kicked his 1000th goal against Geelong last year. What makes Franklin’s feat so impressive is he did it in an era where forwards didn’t kick as many goals. His nearest rivals are Jack Riewoldt (782) and Tom Hawkins (779).
Brings up the ton – Round 22, 2008
While Buddy is in the extremely rare 1000-club, he is also the only player in the past 20 years to kick 100 goals in a season. Franklin reached the milestone in the final round against Carlton – the same game where Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola was left stranded on 99 goals.
Thirteeeeeeeeen! – Round 10, 2012
The biggest haul of his career was the 13 he slotted against North Melbourne in Tasmania. The Bud was unstoppable that day, kicking two goals in the final two minutes to reach 13, which was made famous by Anthony Hudson’s iconic commentary.
Goal of the year against Essendon – Round 13, 2010
Poor old Cale Hooker. The Bombers defender sprinted 100m in vain trying to catch Franklin, who took three bounces down the wing before drilling an incredible goal from the boundary line.
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