Friends and family celebrate Buddy Franklin’s 1,000th goal

Friends and family came out to support Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin on Saturday to celebrate the Sydney Swans star kicking his 1,000th goal.

His father, Lance Franklin Sr., was spotted arriving to Buddy and wife Jesinta’s home by taxi.

Also spotted outside the residence was rugby player Drew Mitchell, who was accompanied by girlfriend Charlotte Barge.

Some guests were spotted carrying gifts and flowers.

Tens of thousands of Sydney Swans supporters swamped the Sydney Cricket Ground in celebration on Friday when Buddy booted his 1,000th career goal in top-flight AFL.

The 35-year-old became the first player in 26 years, and the sixth overall, to reach the landmark figure when, late in the final quarter, he slotted in his fourth goal of the night from 40 metres.

It prompted the pitch invasion which halted the game between the Swans and the Geelong Cats.

Passenger seat: Buddy’s beloved dad Lance Franklin Sr. sat in the front passenger seat 

Franklin’s first 580 majors came playing for the Hawthorn Hawks, with whom he won two premiership medals, between 2005 and 2013, before a move north to Sydney.

He is the only player to have kicked 1,000 goals entirely in the game’s modern era, which started in 1990 when the Australian Football League was formed from Victoria’s near century-old state league.

Buddy wasn’t the only one who was immortalised on Friday night. 

Famous friends: Also spotted outside the residence was rugby player Drew Mitchell (right), who was accompanied by girlfriend Charlotte Barge (left)

As over 30,000 Swans flooded onto the SCG to celebrate his 1,000th goal, siblings Joel and Krystal Clayton seized the opportunity to honour their late grandmother and scatter her ashes on the hallowed turf in the centre square. 

While most of the fans rushing onto the field had eyes only for Buddy, Krystal broke through the pack and made a beeline for the centre square. 

Her brother Joel said it was a strategy to ensure they could honour their nan Edna Dixon’s wishes to have her ashes scattered at the SCG.  

Florals: Some guests were spotted carrying gifts and flowers

All smiles: Guests laughed and chatted on the footpath as they made their way inside the residence

There was a bit of divine intervention at play as well. The siblings did not bring the ashes to the round one clash against GWS where Buddy had the opportunity to notch up the milestone, but would kick only one goal.

Joel said they were better prepared for the round two match and made sure they were ready when the big moment arrived.

‘From a footy standpoint it was such an occasion, such a big moment, but on a personal level for the family, it was quite emotional,’ Joel told ABC News.

‘We never would have had another chance to do it.’

Iconic: Sydney Swans player Buddy (pictured) kicked his 1,000th goal on Friday