AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has hailed Lance Franklin's 1000th goal as one of the game's greatest moments as Sydney launched an appeal to find the football their superstar kicked to reach the milestone.
Franklin booted four goals in Friday night's 30-point win over Geelong at the SCG to become the sixth man in AFL/VFL history to reach four figures.
The Swans on Saturday offered a reward to anyone who returned the prized Sherrin after footage emerged on social media of a spectator claiming it behind the goals.
"I have the pill, I have to get out of here," the fan said in the video clip.
The Swans retweeted the video, inviting the fan to meet Franklin at a training session and present the ball to him.
"To the person who caught the ball, we would love to get it back for Buddy!" the club posted.
AFL chief executive McLachlan congratulated Franklin, who joins record-holder Tony Lockett, Gordon Coventry, Jason Dunstall, Doug Wade and Gary Ablett Snr in reaching the rare 1000-goal mark.
"Last night at the SCG was one of the best moments I have ever seen in football," McLachlan said.
"Lance Franklin achieved a remarkable milestone, a feat we may never have the privilege of witnessing again.
"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."
Thousands of fans stormed the ground to celebrate in traditional fashion.
"The supporters at the ground shared in the milestone, I thank them for celebrating in the right way," McLachlan said.
"To watch all the footage coming through this morning reminds us why we have the greatest fans in the world.
"There is not a football supporter in the country who didn't celebrate Buddy's 1000th goal and I am sure it will inspire kids everywhere to want to be like Buddy."
