Moment a fan snags Australia’s most valuable footy after Buddy kicked his 1,000th goal – as Swans dangle a HUGE carrot in desperate hunt for history-making Sherrin
- Vision shows lucky Swans fan reeling in the ball from Buddy’s 1,000th goal
- The Swans have now launched an urgent appeal to get the ball back
- They have offered a meet and greet with Franklin to the fan if he returns the ball
- The Swans may need to offer more, though, after Tom Brady’s recent gesture
One lucky Swans fan took home the ultimate souvenir last night – the Sherrin that sailed through the posts when Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin kicked his 1000th AFL goal.
Now the Swans want the keepsake back and they have launched an appeal to entice the fan to return the ball to the club – and they’re offering a one-of-a-kind a reward.
As Franklin launched his 1000th goal with five minutes left in the final quarter against Geelong on Friday night, more than 30,000 spectators ran on to the SCG to celebrate.
The Sydney Swans official Twitter account posted an appeal on Saturday asking for the ball to be returned.
‘To the person who caught the ball, we would love to get it back for Buddy! We’re inviting you to training to meet Lance and present the ball to him. Get in our DMs pls!!’
Video footage has emerged of Swans fans clamouring to reel in the ball once it reached the stands, with one lucky supporter emerging from the chaos clutching the prize close to his chest.
‘I’ve got the pill, I’ve got the pill, I have the pill, I have to get out of here,’ he said.
The Swans fan can’t believe his luck after emerging with the Sherrin that Franklin slotted home to bring up his incredible milestone
The Swans may need to up the ante, though.
NFL superstar Tom Brady recently gave Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan Byron Kennedy a Bitcoin valued at almost $60,000 for returning the ball from his 600th career touchdown pass.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan hailed the 1000th goal as ‘one of the best moments I have ever seen in football’.
‘Lance Franklin achieved a remarkable milestone, a feat we may never have the privilege of witnessing again,’ he said.
Franklin winds up and kicks his 1,000th AFL goal in the fourth quarter of their round two match against Geelong at the SCG on Friday night
‘Everyone at the SCG was glued to his every move and, as he has so many times across his career, Buddy delivered a most magical moment and created one of the most euphoric, joyful scenes ever seen in football.
‘The supporters at the ground shared in the milestone, I thank them for celebrating in the right way. To watch all the footage coming through this morning reminds us why we have the greatest fans in the world.’