Superstar Hawks forward Lance Franklin needs just two goals in Saturday’s round 22 match against Carlton to become the first man since Tony Lockett in 1998 to boot 100 goals in a season.
Adding to the intrigue at Telstra Dome on Saturday night is that Franklin’s opposite number, Blues’ spearhead Brendan Fevola, sits on 92 goals coming into what is certainly his last match of the season.
But Clarkson insisted on Friday morning that the ‘Buddy ton’ was not a focus for his club.
In fact, Clarkson said he wasn’t fussed if Franklin’s milestone was reached or not this weekend.
“Strangely enough it is not something we focus on enormously, in terms of the 100 goals,” Clarkson said before the side’s light session at Waverley Park.
“We are more interested in getting our structures right and playing good football leading into the finals.”
But the rest of the city has gone ‘Buddy’ mad.
Saturday night’s match – ostensibly a dead rubber for both sides - is sold out and a crowd of more than 50,000 expected.
The Hawks have already sewn up a top three finish and will play the Western Bulldogs in a qualifying final in the first week of the finals.
Win or lose, they are guaranteed at least a second final.
More to follow …
