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Lance Franklin tops the Herald Sun Super Rankings after Round 1

HE might not have played a game for over a year but you wouldn’t have known it by watching Nic Naitanui on Sunday night. Where did his performance land him in the Super Rankings? SEE THE LIST

Tom Mitchell was the second-best performer over the weekend. Picture: Michael Klein
Tom Mitchell was the second-best performer over the weekend. Picture: Michael Klein

WHO said the key forward is dead?

On Sunday night, Sydney superstar Lance Franklin proved the critics wrong with a stunning eight-goal haul against West Coast which has put him atop of the Munich BrauhausSuper Rankings after Round 1.

SUPERRANKINGS: CLICK HERE FOR EVERY PLAYER RANKING PLUS ROBBO & ANDO’S WEEKLY TOP 20

The reigning Coleman Medal winner was unstoppable, proving too good for a host of Eagles opponents and slamming home goals from every distance and angle.

Former Western Bulldogs champion Brad Johnson earlier this month nominated Franklin as his Brownlow Medal smokey, suggesting the 31-year-old could even wind back the clock to his 113-goal season of 2008.

Sydney eight-goal hero Lance Franklin. Picture: Getty Images
Sydney eight-goal hero Lance Franklin. Picture: Getty Images

“I think he would be a great winner,” Johnson said at Fox Footy’s season launch.

“I hope he plays a big year, maybe kicks 100 and gets his name up there enough to maybe claim the Brownlow and be the first forward in a while to get one.”

Three votes from umpires at the weekend is certain and eight goals is some start towards cracking that ton once again.

Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell broke records at the weekend but came in at No.2 behind Franklin in the Super Rankings.

A 54-touch game against Collingwood on Saturday night saw Mitchell break the all-time disposal record of 53, which had been jointly held by Gary Ablett Jnr at Gold Coast and Greg Williams at Sydney.

St Kilda has been criticised for having no A-grade players but had three stars in the top 12 in Blake Acres, Jack Steven and Jack Billings.

Greater Western Sydney had three representatives in the top 20, led by Toby Greene.

Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell racked up 54 touches against Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein
Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell racked up 54 touches against Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/lance-franklin-tops-the-herald-sun-superrankings-after-round-1/news-story/94f022416abeeb04b511b20cf36b91e2