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.
3. Pure magic against the Pies...twice
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.
