Buddy kicks his ton

Photo: Fairfax Photos

Hawthorn spearhead Lance 'Buddy' Franklin has become the first player since AFL Legend Tony Lockett in 1998 to kick 100 goals in a home-and-away season, 'Buddy' kicking 4.5 in his side's 24.15 (159) to 12.9 (81) win over Carlton.

Franklin is also the first Indigenous player to reach the milestone.

Entering the Hawks' Round 22 clash against the Blues with 98 goals, Franklin kicked his first goal 22 minutes in after he was hit up by Stuart Dew.

Rising Star candidate and fellow Aboriginal Hawk, Cyril Rioli, then fittingly found 'Buddy' with an unselfish pass 25 minutes into the game.

Despite problems with inaccuracy at different stages this year, Franklin looked confident as he stared down the 30 metre set-shot with just a slight angle. As he prepared to kick, security guards lined the arena as spectators rushed down to the fence.

The result was never in doubt, and it took only a matter of seconds before thousands of people entered the arena and mobbed the superstar.

Franklin was then escorted into the rooms in an attempt to clear the crowd, while Carlton and Hawthorn players headed to the centre square to avoid any potential clashes with wayward fans. It took over 10 minutes for the game to start again, with 'Buddy' re-entering the arena to raucous applause.

Meanwhile, needing eight goals entering the match to kick his own ton, Blues full-forward Brendan Fevola kicked all seven of his goals in the second half to finish the year on 99 goals - agonisingly short of what would have been his first AFL century.