Who kicked 18 goals?

Who Kicked 18 Goals in an AFL Game?

Fred Fanning holds the legendary distinction of kicking 18 goals in a single AFL/VFL match—a record that has stood unchallenged since Round 18, 1947. Playing for Melbourne against St Kilda at the Junction Oval, Fanning delivered one of the most dominant individual performances in league history. That day, he didn’t just dominate—he rewrote the record books.

It wasn’t just a case of a hot streak. Fanning finished the 1947 season with 67 goals, capping off a stellar career in his final year. His 18-goal haul remains a standalone feat, often referenced but never matched. In an era before the modern scoring explosion, putting 18 goals on the board in one game was nothing short of extraordinary.

While Fanning’s single-game record remains untouched, other goalkicking milestones continue to spark debate. Bob Pratt and Peter Hudson both kicked 150 goals in a season—achieving the mythical triple-digit mark in an era with fewer games. And then there’s Tony Lockett, the all-time career leader in VFL/AFL history. “Plugger” retired with an astonishing 1,360 goals, a testament to longevity, consistency, and cold-blooded precision in front of the big sticks.

Though the game has evolved—faster, more structured, and statistically detailed—Fanning’s 18-goal performance still stands as a symbol of individual brilliance. It’s a record that doesn’t just reflect scoring prowess, but a perfect storm of opportunity, confidence, and execution. Nearly eight decades later, it remains one of the toughest marks in the game—one that future stars will continue to chase, but may never catch.