How many goals will Lance Franklin kick in 2023?
That’s the question that’s been posed by Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy after the superstar signed on for one more season late in September.
After kicking 52 goals in 2022 and with his overall tally at 1047, Healy, Kane Cornes and Seven’s Mitch Cleary discussed how many majors they see the legend booting in what shapes up to be the 18th and final season of his career.
Healy: “How many goals will Buddy Franklin kick (in 2023)?”
Cornes: “He kicked 52 this year, which is amazing really, but his last two finals (weren’t).
“It depends how they use him, they’ve got a balancing act with Logan McDonald and he plays better when Buddy isn’t there, he’s clearly the future.
“I reckon he plays 15 games and he kicks 32 goals.”
Healy: “32 goals? I’m not sure they limit him, I’d be just playing him, particularly if he plays just out of the square.
“I don’t think there’s any reason to rest him, just keep him fronting up if he’s available.
“If he gets soft tissue injuries, his career may be over, but I’d just keep on playing him.
“I do understand the issue with Logan McDonald, he does look as if he is less of a player when Buddy is around, but he’s still only a young guy.”
Cleary: “I reckon he’s not going to play upwards of 18-20 games, so if he plays 15, maybe 30 or 35 goals.”
Healy: “You’re the same as Kane, why would you limit him?”
Cleary: “I don’t think you limit him, but just given his age, the trips to Perth, it’s a long season, there are 23 games now home and away, I just can’t see him playing every home and away game.”
At 1047, Franklin is just 11 goals away from overtaking Doug Wade to become the fourth-highest goalkicker in VFL/AFL history.
Tony Lockett remains atop the most career goals tally with 1360 ahead of Gordon Coventry at 1299 and Jason Dunstall at 1254.