When did Buddy kick 1000 goals?

The Moment Buddy Made History

It was early in the 2022 AFL season when Lance "Buddy" Franklin etched his name even deeper into football folklore. The moment came in Round 2, under the lights at the SCG, as Sydney took on Geelong — a clash that would soon be remembered not just for the result, but for a quiet, powerful milestone.

Franklin had entered the season just shy of the magical 1,000-goal mark. He kicked one in Round 1, bringing the record within reach. Then came the night it all clicked. With four goals against a tough Cats side, Sydney claimed a gritty victory — and with his third major, Buddy became the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to reach 1,000 career goals.

There was no grand celebration, no fireworks — just teammates ruffling his head, a modest wave to the crowd. But the weight of the moment wasn’t lost. Reaching a thousand goals is a feat reserved for the most lethal forwards, the true legends of the game. And in that instant, Franklin joined an elite club that includes the likes of Tony Lockett, Jason Dunstall, and Gordon Coventry.

What made it more remarkable was the journey: a kid from Swan Hill who burst onto the scene at Hawthorn with explosive pace and ice-cool precision, winning four premierships, two Coleman Medals, and a reputation as one of the most electrifying big-game players ever.

By the time he walked off the SCG that night, the roar of the crowd said it all. This wasn’t just about numbers — it was about legacy. And with every goal counted, Buddy had cemented his place in the sport’s pantheon.