NEW York Yankees slugger Reggie Jackson was dubbed Mr October for his exploits in the baseball World Series. Michael Jordan earned the nickname Mr June in honour of the month he dominated to win six NBA championships.

Now Lance Franklin is well on his way to claiming the title of Mr September.

Franklin is knocking on the door of history against Geelong on Friday night as he returns to his favourite stage, the MCG, for his 14th final at the famous venue.

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Another four goals in the preliminary final will move Franklin into outright fifth in finals matches, moving him past some greats Gary Ablett Senior, Alistair Lynch, Doug Wade and Stephen Kernahan.

Franklin moved ahead of Wayne Carey and Billy Brownless with his four-goal haul against Adelaide at the SCG last week and within striking distance of Hawthorn greats Leigh Matthews (72) and Jason Dunstall (78).
Lance Franklin trained strongly during the week. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Lance Franklin trained strongly during the week. Picture: Phil HillyardSource:News Corp Australia

Only Gordon Coventry’s 111 goals look out of reach.

Eighty is considered the new 100 these days as kicking bags of goals in modern footy is proving much harder against different tactics and defensive structures.

In pressure-cooker finals matches, it’s even tougher.

But Franklin still averages 3.4 goals per game from his 19 September outings.

None of the current champions get near him. Nick Reiwoldt is the closest, averaging 2.41 goals, while Franklin’s old Hawks teammate Jarryd Roughead is next at 2.21.

Even mercurial GWS Giant Steve Johnson kicks only 1.61 goals per finals game.

Franklin inherited his No. 23 guernsey from an equally famous Hawk in Dermott Brereton. Brereton said Buddy’s dominance can be attributed to his physical prowess.

“He’s the best athlete to ever play AFL,” Brereton told The Daily Telegraph.

“He’s a 199cm running machine with huge endurance and happens to be 107kg and can kick it out of sight.”

Brereton kicked 53 goals in his 26 finals matches for the Hawks, which included five winning grand finals and a losing one in 1985 when he booted eight goals.

He said Franklin’s good health and form would have him thinking he can dominate Friday’s game.
Lance Franklin has dominated in September. Picture: Getty Images.

Lance Franklin has dominated in September. Picture: Getty Images.Source:AAP

“He’ll be thinking ‘I’m ready for it, I’m the man and I don’t think I can be beaten’,” Brereton said.

“Buddy’s body is right and he believes he’s the linchpin and he’ll be hoping they throw the best player they have at him.”

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That player will almost certainly be veteran Geelong defender Tom Lonergan who has done well on Franklin in recent outings including round 16 when he held him to just one goal.

“Lonergan isn’t as slow as people think,” Brereton said.

“He has long arms and likes to play from behind. Buddy likes to play from behind in a one on one and tries to edge his opponent under the ball. Geelong help Lonergan out by putting extra numbers behind the footy with Corey Enright peeling off.”

Originally published as Franklin football’s Mr September