Buddy Franklin ignites AFL fans with 65m stunner against Fremantle

There are few things better than Buddy Franklin in full flight in the AFL with the injury-prone star showing he’s still got it.

There is little better than a fit Buddy Franklin in full flight and the star has pulled out the magic in the first half against the Dockers, but it hasn’t been enough for a win.

A third quarter comeback helped the Dockers grab a 12.14 (86) to 13.6 (84) win, snapping a three game losing streak in a thriller.

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But Franklin did everything in his power to help his side over the line with a six-goal performance, his best tally since round 20 2018.

In his sixth game for the season after a leg injury sidelined him for three weeks earlier in the year, Franklin looked back to vintage form against the Dockers in his third straight game.

After missing the scoreboard against the Demons a fortnight ago, Franklin had 2.2 last week against the Magpies.

And he stepped it up again against the Dockers, nailing two goals in the first quarter.

But his third goal of the night gives hope that Buddy has shrugged off his latest injury.

After Isaac Heeney booted it long, Franklin took the mark before unleashing a booming kick from 65m out, bouncing once in the goalsquare before going through for a major.

Franklin was pumped although the Freo fans booed the Swans star despite the impressive kick.

While a 65m kick was not that impressive in his heyday, Franklin has missed plenty of football through injuries, including the entire 2020 season.

It’s a great sight seeing Buddy unleash from 65.

So seeing the 34-year-old kick a long distance stunner, it too many people back to the good old days.

Buddy Franklin is still prime time. Up and about early against Freo. Two goals, one from 50. He has that look in his eye that he knows he can tear this one apart. So good to watch. #AFLFreoSwans

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) May 22, 2021

Trying to be embittered
by the Buddy masterclass, but it ain't easy.
C'mon @freodockers#AFLFreoSwans

— Geoff Hutchison (@GeoffHutchison) May 22, 2021

I will never get tired of watching Buddy Franklin play

— Nat Edwards (@Nat_Edwards) May 22, 2021

While the Swans took a 15-point lead into the main break, the Dockers hit back in the third quarter, taking the lead midway through the term on the back of Rory Lobb’s four goals.

The Dockers led into the final team by 13 points and the Swans were screamed at by coach John Longmire.

Buddy responded, kicking another goal from about 55m out and before a set shot gave him his second five goal haul of the season as the Swans bounced back to the lead with 13 minutes still remaining.

He kicked a sixth late in the game as the lead ping ponged between the teams but a Nat Fyfe dagger handed his side the two point win.

Regardless,

“How good is Lance Franklin still?” Dermott Brereton asked. “Three goals in the last quarter, his club who rewards him so handsomely and he pays them back in spades. They’re asking for something, they kick four goals to two in the last quarter — he kicks three of them.”