Hawk spearhead's stocks on the rise
HAWTHORN's Lance Franklin confirmed his emerging status as an elite footballer after being named at full-forward in the 2008 AFL All-Australian team.
The 21-year-old was named in the honorary team in Melbourne tonight and was also presented with the Coleman Medal as the AFL's leading goalkicker for 2008.
He was the only Aboriginal footballer named in the team after fellow nominee, Port Adelaide's Daniel Motlop, was overlooked for a role as a half-forward.
Franklin described his maiden selection in the All-Australian team as very special and something that he will cherish forever.
The Hawk spearhead's Coleman Medal came after he ended the home-and-away season with 102 goals -- the first Aboriginal man to achieve the feat in 112 years of VFL/AFL football -- holding off Carlton forward Brendan Fevola on 99. That no doubt influenced his selection in the AA team, with Fevola named alongside him in a forward pocket.
Franklin has since added eight more goals to his tally in last weekend's qualifying final against the Western Bulldogs, and could add a few more in this weekend's preliminary final against St Kilda.
"It feels very special to be an All-Australian footballer, it's something I will cherish forever," Franklin said.
Franklin accepted the Coleman Medal from 1961 winner, Tom Carroll, and he said it wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for his team-mates.
"I was lucky to get over the line (ahead of Fevola) and I am proud to win the award," he said.
Franklin described how it felt when when he kicked his 100th goal.
"It was an exhilarating rush, it was just a great feeling on the day ... a special moment," he said. "It was good to reach the 100 goals, but I wouldn't have got it without my team-mates so I have to thank them, too. With 'Hodgey' (Luke Hodge) and Sam Mitchell kicking it to me I don't have to lead as hard."
Since his AFL debut in 2005 (against Sydney at the SCG in Round 1), Franklin has kicked 235 goals: 73 in 2007, 31 in 2006, and 21 in his first season to go with his 110 this season.
This AA profile of Franklin from the AFL
Without question the most exciting – and arguably best – player in the AFL, 'Buddy' took his game to another level in 2008, mesmerising the competition with his unique talent. He finished the home and away season with 102 goals.
History on the All-Australian concept
The first All-Australian concept was pioneered by Sporting Life magazine. A squad from all footballing states was selected annually in October from 1947 until 1955 by a panel of experts.
At the conclusion of the 1950 Australian Football Carnival held in Brisbane a team was selected from the best-performed players. The practice continued after such series until the 1988 Bicentenary Carnival in Adelaide.
In 1982, the first AFL team of the year was chosen by the Victorian selectors.
With the development of the national competition, the concept was changed slightly and in 1991, the first AFL All-Australian Team was selected. (Source: Peter Argent)
* See the 2008 AFL All-Australian team in full
here.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Monday, September 15, 2008
Last Modified on 15/09/2008 23:48