Buddy moves to equal-fourth VFL/AFL all-time goal kicker with crucial effort in dramatic win

Jarred Cross Published May 21, 2023 at 12.00am (AWST)

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Image: Sydney Swans Facebook

A three-goal effort from Lance Franklin helped save Sydney from a near season-ending loss against North Melbourne on Saturday.

The Swans entered the fixture hampered by an extended injury list against a North Melbourne outfit tackling significant issues on and off the field.

Facing a wave of scrutiny for below-par performances in the first half of 2023, Franklin hit back with a trio of majors to keep last year's grand finalist's finals hopes alive.

Prior to their round 10 clash, the Swans had dropped to 14th on the ladder sitting with a 3-win, 6-loss return so far this season.

Franklin kicked 3.1 through the contest before his side were gifted a free-kick from point-blank range to snatching the lead back with under a minute on the clock.

Hayden McClean was handed a shot from the top of the goal square via a free kick after North exceeded the interchange limit.

Dramatic scenes in the final moments with the Swans taking the lead.#AFLNorthSwans pic.twitter.com/Fp1uwl7tym

— AFL (@AFL) May 20, 2023

Buddy later stuck a crucial tackle during North's final chance to clear the ball into their front fifty in the thrilling finish.

The Whadjuk-Noongar man's return to form aptly came in the AFL's annual Sir Doug Nicholls round.

Sydney edged past the Kangaroos 14.9 (93) to 14.6 (60).

In the process, Franklin moved to equal-fourth on the VFL/AFL all-time goal kickers list with 1057 majors, equal to Geelong and North legend Doug Wade.

Last year he became the sixth man to reach 1000 career goals against eventual premiers (who defeated Sydney in the Grand Final) Geelong in round two at the SCG.