History-making Swans superstar Lance Franklin plans to play on next year – and for as long as his body will allow him.
Franklin on Friday night became just the sixth VFL/AFL footballer to reach the 1000-goal milestone, joining all-time greats Tony Lockett, Gordon Coventry, Jason Dunstall, Doug Wade and Gary Ablett snr.
He revealed on Monday it was a feat he had thought about since he kicked 113 goals in a spectacular 2008 season for his former club Hawthorn.
Making the moment more special for Franklin was he achieved it in front of his family, including relatives who flew into Sydney from the United States, as well as Western Australia and South Australia.
But the fears xjmtzywfor Franklin’s safety as thousands of fans mobbed him on the SCG after his milestone goal sailed through were unfounded, with the man himself never concerned.
The wild scenes remain a “blur” but he said he would forever remember teammates Will Hayward, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney and Tom Hickey being the first by his side to celebrate.
“I was lapping it up, to be honest with you – a little bit of carry on,” Franklin said with a wide smile.
“When I kicked the 100 goals in 2008; at that stage, I was very young and I thought if I ever got to the 1000 goals, I’m really going to enjoy it and so I really soaked it up.
“At no stage for me, personally, was I nervous or scared of the crowd but it was just a special moment. I absolutely loved it. A lot of the boys that were involved in it would have thought the same.”
In further good news for Franklin, he was reunited with his 1000th-goal Sherrin after the Sydney fan who grabbed it, Alex Wheeler, returned it to him.
“It’s nice of Alex to give the ball back. It was a really special night and to receive the ball back means the world to me,” he said.
“I haven’t had too much time to reflect on it just yet, but obviously it was a significant moment. I absolutely loved it.
“To see so many Swans supporters out here, especially with what happened the last couple of years with Covid, and to have a packed stadium was very special – and then, obviously, to kick the goal was awesome.”
The most exciting news for Sydney coach John Longmire, club officials and fans alike is that Franklin is more confident about his battle-worn body than last season and feels he is playing better football.
Asked if he would play for as long as he remained fit and able, Franklin said: “Totally.”
“You‘ll probably have to ask (Swans chief executive) Tom Harley whether he wants me around,” he said.
“I want to really enjoy this last year of my contract and then we’ll weigh it up and see where we’re at, at the end of the year.
“It’s the best job in the world. It’s something that I love doing but we’ll just work that out as the year goes on.”
Franklin didn’t answer either way whether winning an elusive premiership this year for Sydney would impact on his retirement plans but that flag pursuit remains his No.1 priority.
Critics who overlook his brilliance in red and white and unmatched marketability in the Harbour City still point to the Swans twice falling short in grand finals with him as proof his nine-year megadeal remains a failure.
“A premiership would be lovely and that’s what I’ll be striving for this year,” Franklin said.
“But we’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us to achieve that. I’ll be doing my best to make sure that happens.”
