Play the Buddy Franklin Game - Click here "Buddyshow"!
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Dodge the flooding Richmond defence and boot goals from anywhere in the forward half. But beware, Buddy's kicking is erratic, and to him it seems like the goals are on the move!
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Buddy Franklin - Hawthorn Hawks Superstar
Lance "Buddy" Franklin is the epitomy of the modern day superstar in Australian Rules Football.
At 196cm in height & weighing 101kg, Buddy (as he's affectionately know) has taken the football world by storm. Wearing the famous number 23 that Dermott Brereton once wore, Buddy's presence on the Hawthorn forward line is integral to his teams success.
He is a nightmare for the opposition. A tall defender can match Buddy in the marking contests, however can't defend him when the ball goes to ground. On the other hand, a smaller, faster defender can stop Buddy at ground level, but can't negate his high marking in the air.
Opposition clubs are forced to plan meticulously for Buddy when playing against the Hawks. Perhaps the spells out the best part for Hawthorn - they never have to worry about a match up for Buddy Franklin.
After kicking 100 goals in season 2008, many experts and former greats like Leigh Matthews are touting the youngster to potentially be the best player the game has seen.
There are many urban legends about Franklin. Some say that when asked about his weaknesses during draft camp, he simply claimed "I have none". It was also said he used to introduce himself in representative footy to his opponent, saying "Lance Buddy Franklin. Remember the Name".
It is this confidence which makes him so likeable and draws the crowds to the game.
Along with this is his erratic kicking for goal. There is no doubting his skills, however his inaccurracy when shooting for goal has led some key media experts like Mike Sheahan of the Herald Sun to claim that he may one day cost his team a flag.
Buddy has also sufferred some unwanted off field attention, with much speculation about his personal lifestyle and ladies man image. Despite this, the young mans footballing career has remained on the improve.
With Buddy on the Hawthorn forward line for the next decade, it certainly is hard to see the Hawks not experience a golden age. For even if they begin losing games, the crowd will always flock to see the great Buddy Franklin.