‘He’s an icon’: Buddy Franklin kicks past yet another legend

Buddy Franklin has reached yet another goalkicking milestone that has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever.

Sydney's Lance Franklin gets a poke in the eye during the Round 19 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and Adelaide Crows at the SCG on July 23, 2022 . Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - ©Phil Hillyard )

There was no pitch invasion this time but Buddy Franklin has made more history in the AFL.

In a strong win from the Sydney Swans 17.16 (118) to 12.13 (85) over the Adelaide Crows, Franklin booted three goals, moving him past AFL legend Gary Ablett Sr. into fifth on the all-time goalkicking list.

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Although the likes of Tony Lockett (1360), Gordon Coventry (1299) and Jason Dunstall (1254) are likely too far away for Franklin, he now has his sights on Doug Wade’s 1057.

Franklin’s goals move him to 1033, just 24 short of fourth place.

At 35, it’s hard to know how much time he has left in his career, particularly amid the contract rumours swirling around him, AFL fans should appreciate Buddy while he’s still around.

“He’s an icon of the sport, he’s heading for legend status in the Hall of Fame – but they just needed a good old fashioned Buddy Franklin goal, the Swans,” Gerard Healy said when Franklin kicked the goal in the third quarter.

Franklin was told to play on, booting the goal around the corner.

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Buddy passes Gary Ablett Snr to move to 5th on the all-time V/AFL goal kicking table 🙌#AFLSwansCrowspic.twitter.com/kAPoSOVjuu

— AFL (@AFL) July 23, 2022

Buddy’s done it again. Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images

While the SCG was nowhere near as packed as it was for his 1000th goal and there was none of the fanfare, it is another significant milestone as he writes himself even more into the history of the game.

Adelaide shaped as a danger game for the Swans despite their respective positions on the ladder but Sydney made no mistake with the start, racing to a 9.3 (57) to 2.3 (15) lead at the end of the first term.

It was the Swans’ best ever first quarter against the Crows and the side’s best start since round 18 1997, when the side had a 65-point first quarter against Melbourne.

It’s also the highest scoring first quarter of the season so far.

It proved decisive as the Crows won the next two quarters but were unable to reel in the Swans' rampaging first quarter.

Originally published as ‘He’s an icon’: Buddy Franklin kicks past yet another legend