Plugger tips flag to boot

AUSTRALIAN football legend Tony Lockett believes Sydney Swans champion Lance Franklin can add a third premiership medal this season to his ever-growing tally of team and personal achievements.

The man who kicked a VFL-AFL record of 1360 goals welcomed 35-year-old Franklin into the exclusive 1000-goal club, saying he had been a delight to watch over the years.

But Lockett said Franklin might be in for another big reward with the unbeaten Swans firming as a 2022 flag contender, with the former Hawk a chance to add to his 2008 and 2013 medals.

“There’s more in store yet, a flag at the end of the year would top it all off,” Lockett forecast. “He deserves it, (he’s an) absolute champion! (It’s been) a privilege to watch Buddy over the last 18 years.”

Meantime, Gary Ablett Sr, the only non-traditional fullforward to kick 1000 goals, welcomed Franklin to the exclusive club.

Ablett, 60, is a long-time admirer of 199cm athlete Franklin. “There haven’t been too many players, if any, who can move as well as he can with that agility and pace. He really is an exceptional athlete for his height,” said Ablett.