Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin has become the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to cross the magical 1000-goal barrier.
After being denied the mark last week by a stingy GWS Giants defence, Franklin was on song in the friendly confines of the SCG, bringing up the long-awaited milestone against Geelong.
The 35-year-old joins legendary goalkickers Tony Lockett, Jason Dunstall, Gordon Goventry, Doug Wade and Gary Ablett Sr as the only players in league history to kick over 1000 career goals.
Coming into the match four goals short of the magical milestone, the champion goal-kicker reached the mark in the fourth quarter, drilling a set shot from 35m on a slight angle.
Despite security guards being stationed on the boundary all around the ground, Franklin was mobbed by thousands who set upon him after the ball sailed through the goals.
“It was actually nice to get it done. It did play on my mind a little bit,” he told Seven after kicking the goal.
“I made sure I told Chaddy Warner at half-time to lower your eyes. It was surreal. It was an amazing moment. A lot of hard work to get there, being playing for 18 years, but I wouldn’t have been able to get there without having some great teammates around me to provide the assists.
“I had a taste of Carlton Draught in my mouth from someone. It was an amazing moment, one that I’ll cherish forever.”
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