Who kicked 100 goals?

The Quest for 100 Goals: A Sacred Milestone

Reaching 100 goals in a single AFL season isn't just a stat—it's legend. It's a feat that echoes through football history, reserved for the sharpest shooters and most relentless forwards. While no player has officially reached the century mark in a regular AFL season (since the modern era began), the magic number still looms large, a benchmark of brilliance and consistency.

Doug Wade was the first to crack it, notching 103 goals back in 1962 for Geelong. At the time, it was a seismic achievement—rare air. Others followed in spirit if not always in record: Peter Hudson, a four-time Coleman Medalist, flirted with the mark multiple times, his 1970 season (146 goals) a masterclass in dominance. Peter McKenna piled them on for Collingwood, a cold-eyed assassin in front of goal.

Then came Tony Lockett, a colossus of the game. In 1987, 'Plugger' kicked 132 goals for St Kilda, the closest any player has come in the modern era. His blend of power, precision, and poise made defenders tremble. Decades later, Lance “Buddy” Franklin kept the flame alive—his 2014 season, 104 goals for Hawthorn, a reminder that the race for 100 still pulses with life.

Others like Matthew Lloyd, Fraser Gehrig, and Peter Sumich came close, each leaving their mark with ice-cool accuracy under pressure. Even Malcolm Blight, known as much for his vision as his boot, once flirted with the lofty total in his prime.

The 100-goal season remains one of football’s most elusive challenges. It’s not just about skill—it’s about hunger, timing, and the will to stand tall, week after week. And though the number may seem distant now, the stories keep it alive. Because in the end, it’s not just about the goals—it’s about the legends they create.