Buddy's eight-goal haul sends Bulldogs packing
A HALF-METRE prevented Lance Franklin from becoming Hawthorn's and Aboriginal football's leading goalkicker in VFL/AFL finals when he missed a set shot late in last night's second qualifying final at the MCG.
The Hawks are one game away from a grand final appearance after defeating a disappointing Western Bulldogs side by 51 points on the back of Franklin's record-equalling haul.
Franklin sprayed his final shot wide late in the last quarter leaving him 'stranded' with a lazy eight goals for the game, equal with recently retired Fremantle and Melbourne forward Jeff Farmer and Hawks club great Dermott Brereton, and one ahead of Hawks legend Peter Hudson in goals kicked in finals.
Farmer's eight goals came when with Melbourne against North Melbourne in the 2000 preliminary final at the MCG.
Franklin underlined his growing stature in the game with yet another top performance on the big stage.
Today, star Adelaide veteran Andrew McLeod enters his 20th AFL finals match when the Crows host Collingwood at AAMI Stadium.
In other AFL news, Melbourne have delisted Isaac Weetra, as have Essendon with rookie Dean Dick.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Last Modified on 06/09/2008 02:06