Three-time Richmond premiership defender Nathan Broad has revealed a tongue-in-cheek face-to-face with Sydney Swans champion Lance Franklin.
The defender and forward went toe-to-toe last Thursday night during the Tigers' 13-point comeback victory over the Swans at the MCG, keeping Richmond's finals hopes afloat.
The fixture likely represented Franklin's final MCG appearance in his decorated career.
Speaking with Abbey Holmes on Footy Talk, Broad started full of praise for the Swans icon, noting teammate Tylar Young's awe of playing against 'Buddy'.
"To be able to say you played alongside Lance Franklin and be in his presence is pretty special," Broad said.
"Tylar Young on the weekend came out and said to be able to say that he played on Lance Franklin and that is like, it's amazing. [He's a] real once-in-a-generation player."
Franklin's achievements in the AFL include two flag triumphs at Hawthorn, the seventh-placed mantle on the VFL/AFL all-time goals list, and eight All-Australian blazers.
However, Broad revealed the pair traded a few barbs last Thursday, with Franklin apparently advising Broad on where he should and shouldn't stand on the ground.
"He had a few choice words for me on the weekend," Broad said.
"Oh, we were just getting into each other a bit and it happens every week you know, the heat of the battle and that, and he just let me know if I stand in the wrong spot he's probably going to flatten me."
Broad and the Tigers are fixtured to play West Coast at Optus Stadium this Sunday evening, whilst 'Buddy's Swans kick off Round 18 against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Thursday night.