In summation...
It was certainly a year to remember for Lance Franklin as the superstar forward continued to place his name among the best in modern history.
Franklin was crowned with his fourth Coleman Medal after booting 73 goals from 24 games during his 13th season in the league.
It was not all smooth sailing for Franklin who had a couple of quieter patches during the season but it was his performance against Carlton in Round 23 that sealed him the medal.
A ten-goal masterclass had the SCG pumping as the athletic forward could do no wrong slotting goals from every position on the field.
He once again played a key role in leading up the field to provide a target across half forward and kicking goals not just from inside 50 but beyond as well.
Buddy was named at centre half forward in the All Australian team earning him his seventh All Australian honour joining a list with the names Wayne Carey, Stephen Silvagni and Nathan Buckley on it.
Franklin will enter his fifth season at the Swans in 2018 and will be looking to continue his run of red hot form showcased this season.
What the numbers say...
Games: 24
Goals: 73
Kicks: 316
H’balls: 89
Disposals: 405
Marks: 158
Tackles: 55
Inside 50s: 124
AFL Fantasy: 2,114 (96.1 average)
Supercoach: 2,163 (98.3 average)
Best performance...
Round 23 v Carlton at the SCG
Lance Franklin in full flight is always a sight to behold but on a Saturday afternoon at the SCG in Round 23 fans were treated to one of the best individual performances ever seen. With a fourth Coleman Medal in his sights Franklin ended with a bag of ten goals as he did what he wanted in the forward 50. He finished the contest with 25 disposals, 10 marks and 10 goals in what was a display that had the SCG buzzing.
What they said...
"I couldn't claim that we had a sense (that a performance like that was coming) from a coaching perspective, but there's always a chance. He's been looking sharp and getting two sessions out a week, and looking really good in those training sessions which is a good sign. Even with the best that helps, and he was fantastic the way he finished off the game, and when he's got his tail up he's hard to stop.”
- John Longmire after Franklin’s ten goal bag in Round 23
In pictures...
A Buddy long bomb became a regular sight during the 2018 season.
Buddy joins his teammates for recovery at Redleaf pools.
The man of the moment - Buddy celebrates his tenth goal against the Blues.
