6 goals to go for Lance 'Buddy' Franklin - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

6 goals to go for Lance 'Buddy' Franklin

By Justin Chadwick 23/08/2008 10:47:56 AM Comments (0)

Six goals. That's all that separates Lance 'Buddy' Franklin from the magical century mark he so desperately craves.

Not since Tony Lockett in 1998 has the ton been cracked in the regular AFL season but it seems a matter of when, not if, the Hawthorn superstar will reach triple figures.

With most of West Coast's first-choice defenders watching on from the sidelines, it seems only one person can stop Franklin reaching the century mark at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

That man is Franklin himself.

The 21-year-old has kicked a wayward 94.74 this season. Last week against Richmond, Franklin booted 3.6 from 10 shots on goal.

Barring injury, it's almost a given Franklin will receive more than enough chances to kick the six goals he needs against West Coast. The question is - can he convert them?

But while all eyes will be on Franklin and his quest for glory, retiring Eagle Michael Braun will go about his business with a minimum of fuss.

West Coast hinted earlier in the week that Braun may be required to play in next week's away clash against Geelong due to the club's lengthy injury list but Eagles coach John Worsfold said that scenario was now unlikely to occur.

Worsfold would not reveal how the club would honour Braun in his final match but said the emotion of the 30-year-old's retirement would not be used to inspire the team.

"It's an emotional thing (but) I don't think it will be a motivating factor," Worsfold said.

"I don't think Eric Mackenzie would need motivating if he knew he was going to line up on Buddy Franklin.

"I don't think he's going to try harder because it's Brauny's last game. He has to go out there and do his absolute best.

"But we are very conscious it is Michael's last game and it would be wonderful to send him out on a really good note.

"If we play with the pressure we want to try to put on Hawthorn and really get everything out of ourselves, then that (sending him out on a win) is a possibility."

West Coast forward Ashley Hansen, who missed last week with an ankle injury, spent just 10 minutes out on the track on Friday before making his way to the change rooms, while goalsneak Mark LeCras was restricted to light duties as he battles a niggling groin injury.

However, Worsfold was confident both would be right to go against the Hawks.

Injury-plagued midfielder Sam Butler returns to the side along with Hansen, with pencil-thin forward Tony Notte (omitted) and classy youngster Brad Ebert (groin) the two to make way.

Hawthorn have lost star midfielder Luke Hodge to suspension but welcome back speedy winger Clinton Young, while 20-year-old ruckman Brent Renouf will come in for Robert Campbell, who is battling a virus.

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