Lance Franklin will go down in history as one of the greatest footballers to ever lace up a pair of boots.
The 354 gamer has called time on his career, one full of accomplishments that most players can only dream of. A two-time premiership player with Hawthorn, eight-time All-Australian, including a captaincy role in 2018, four-time Coleman Medalist, and a leading goalscorer at both Hawthorn and Sydney a combined total of 13 times.
And at the age 35, 'Buddy' kicked his 1000th AFL career goal, an achievement only accomplished by five other players - Tony Lockett, Gordon Coventry, Jason Dunstall, Gary Ablett Sr and Doug Wade.
The man has one of the lengthiest and most impressive highlight reels ever. It's almost impossible to cut his moments down to a handful but here are five that seriously stand out.
In just his third AFL season, Franklin had made huge strides in his career early. In year one, he kicked 21 goals, in year two he kicked 31. In 2007, 'Buddy' finished on 73, a massive jump and solid sample size of what was to come.
The AFL world was given a show in Franklin's first AFL final: an elimination final in 2007 against the Crows at what was then the Telstra Dome. Adelaide was in control for most of the day, leading by 14 points going into the final term. Up until three-quarter time, 'Buddy' had kicked four goals in a valiant effort.
In the final term, Franklin kicked three goals, none better than the game-winner. The 20-year-old took a mark 50 metres out on the left forward flank, a position most would pass from. Franklin, however, had other ideas. With only seconds remaining, the blossoming spearhead slotted the goal to win the game and tally up goal number seven.
He had truly arrived as a genuine superstar of the competition and proved it on the big stage.
Despite Cale Hooker being a solid player over the course of his career, unfortunately, he will forever be remembered for a highlight that wasn't even his. In Round 13 of the 2010 season, Franklin collected possession of the ball around halfway up the ground, Hooker hot on his tail.
The Dons defender desperately tried to keep up as 'Buddy' charged towards the goal, but he simply couldn't. Franklin was too quick. Taking three bounces, Buddy slowed slightly as he hit the 50-metre line before swiftly kicking the goal. The craziest part of the goal was that he never centred himself, rather running further into the pocket making the already difficult task veer closer to impossible.
That was just the kind of player 'Buddy' was, he did the impossible. No matter how ludicrous an opportunity seemed to be, he could make it a reality.
In the 2011 Preliminary Final, Franklin kicked one of the all-time great finals goals. Despite the outcome of the game, 'Buddy's' goal was one to remember. With Pies defender Chris Tarrant on his hip forcing Franklin to the boundary line, the elite full-forward used his strength to shrug him off. Franklin collected the ball and kicked one of the most ridiculous dribble kicks ever seen on a footy field.
The context, the time, the drama, everything added together made it one of the best goals ever.
Round 3 2013 marks yet another occasion in which 'Buddy' got a hold of the Pies. In a remarkable effort, Franklin collected the ball and simultaneously jumped over an opponent in his stride. Yes, that's correct. Jumped. Without breaking stride. Franklin then launched a 75-metre bomb from the centre square to send the Hawks fans into raptures.
With those two goals, even just the name 'Buddy' sends shivers down Pies fans' spines.
With arguably one of the most memorable pieces of commentary ever delivered by Anthony Hudson, Lance Franklin kicked 13 goals in one game. In a 115-point demolition job, Hawthorn defeated North Melbourne in Round 10, 2012. The Hawks kicked a whopping 15 goals, seven behinds in the second half alone, 'Buddy' kicking seven of them.
It's ironic that the commentary is more memorable than any of Franklin's goals that afternoon. Of course, it's common knowledge that he kicked 13 in a game but most of that comes from 'Huddo's' commentary rather than the effort himself.
In the final seconds of the game, Franklin dropped a mark, hurriedly picked the ball up again and just got it onto his boot. The ball sailed through for a goal...queue Hudson on commentary...and made history.
It was a moment that was built up in the week leading up to the game. Round 2, 2022 provided a moment that will go down in football history. Becoming just the sixth and most likely final player ever to kick 1000 goals, Franklin sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Fans jumped the barriers and cleared out the stands, a sight that hadn't been seen in years. Security did not even bother trying to stop people, it looked as though everyone at the game ran down, regardless of what team they supported.
James Brayshaw's commentary of "the legend becomes immortal" summed up the moment perfectly. If 'Buddy's' decorated career wasn't one to remember already, it certainly was after that moment.
Franklin will no doubt go down as one of the greatest if not the greatest forward to ever play the game. His impact on the game itself cannot be understated. He revolutionised the modern forward with his athleticism, speed and accuracy in front of goal.
Despite not getting a typical retirement game for a player of his standard, Lance Franklin will forever be remembered as an icon of the sport.