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.
1. Goal number 1000
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.
