Lance Buddy Franklin, Sydney Swans, GWS Giant, Callum Mills, Josh Kelly, 1000th goal, increased security, heavy fines
It’s the milestone that’s set to highlight the opening rounds of the upcoming AFL season.
With Sydney’s Lance Franklin patiently waiting in the wings on 995 career goals, you can count on one hand how many more majors the star forwards requires to reach the golden 1000-goal breakthrough.
It has long been a tradition in the AFL/VFL that fans storm the field when a big goal milestone occurs. Franklin is the most recent player to achieve the mammoth effort of 100 goals in a single season, causing fans to flood the field in 2008 at Marvel Stadium (formerly Etihad).
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However the AFL were not too keen on the ground invasion in 2008 and they share the same view now, fearing fans or players could be hurt in the celebration.
But despite the risk of being swarmed by spectators, the captains of both Sydney-based sides – who will meet in Round 1 – don’t seem too concerned.
When asked about what the players expect to happen after the milestone goal is kicked, Sydney Swans co-captain Callum Mills told Wide World of Sports he wants to see fans descend onto the field.
“Hopefully people storm onto the ground,” he said.
“I think it’s such a cool tradition that’s happened for a very long time and potentially it might not ever happen again.
“It’s a massive achievement for Bud individually, so I hope it gets the respect it deserves in a way.
“It’s something really exciting to be a part of. I can’t wait.”
Also asked how Franklin will react after becoming just the sixth player to crack 1000, Mills said he wasn’t sure.
“I have no idea, it’s probably a question for Bud,” he said.
“I guess whatever happens in the moment. It probably depends on what he feels, to be honest.”
While he’ll be hoping his backmen can crash the party, cross-town co-captain Josh Kelly also voiced his support for fans jumping the fence.
“I’ll be hoping it doesn’t happen because that will mean they’ll (Sydney) be going ok,” the Giants star joked.
“But it’s a pretty once in a lifetime experience.”
The league is currently finalising their plans, to be revealed next week. An increased security presence and heavy financial penalties are set to feature in an attempt to deter fans.
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