Franklins milestone evokes refreshing unbridled passion

This was a throwback to the good old days when kicking 100 goals in a season was a regular occurrence - thousands of supporters would invade the ground, although this time, they were armed with their mobile phones to capture the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, those grinches who proliferate far too many elements of today's society would have frowned on the events at the SCG.

But even the AFL and its CEO Gillon McLachlan lauded the supporters' behaviour, noting they celebrated in the right way.

Health and safety regulations strictly enforced during the pandemic went out the window as most of the 36,000-plus crowd spilled onto the ground.

Don't blame ground management, police and a small number of security staff - they faced an unenviable task.

Importantly, the Sydney veteran embraced the supporters' delight with his customary smile, humility and good nature, helping to ensure no one was hurt in the crush and everyone enjoyed the rare experience.

Franklin could not have chosen a better time or venue to reach the milestone, in front of his family, friends and adoring home crowd.

Although the game was held up for more than 30 minutes, fortunately, the result was a formality with only about five minutes remaining.

'Buddy' kicked the goal at the same end as Tony Lockett did in 1999 when the former Saint and Swan booted his 1300th goal to break Gordon Coventry's long-standing AFL/VFL goalkicking record.

The unbridled joy on display after Franklin's milestone underlined the passion of AFL supporters as compared with other codes and sports - it is impossible to imagine such a scene happening with relative safety anywhere else in the world.

While talking about crowds, COVID-19 is not the only reason why people are wary about gathering in large numbers at AFL games.

The league's decision to dispense with membership cards and go digital with its ticketing arrangements is another factor.

Many, particularly older people, are struggling with the technology required and would prefer to use paper/cardboard tickets.

Rising costs for food/drink and complexities associated with accessibility to venues are other issues.

Some are finding it easier to stay at home after being forced to watch the TV coverage for the past two years.

So, it is imperative the networks and radio stations provide the best service for supporters - and they are not at the moment.

Most of the commentary teams are not travelling outside Victoria, relying heavily on boundary riders at interstate venues to provide essential information.

During the height of the pandemic, calling games from studios was necessary. But many media outlets have discovered this is a more cost-effective method without paying for airfares and accommodation.

While they have access to all of the camera angles, commentators at venues have a much better perspective on what's going on ahead or behind the play.

They can also relate to the atmosphere and conditions first-hand and not be forced to generate insincere hype and emotion.

For many supporters, it is no choice - they would much rather attend games than put up with sub-standard coverage.

As stunning as Ash Barty's decision to retire was, she handled it with the class and dignity she has displayed over her magnificent, albeit too brief, tennis career.

Channelling the signature song of the late, great Frank Sinatra, Barty did it her way - and that was unsurprising.

Despite winning three Grand Slam singles titles and almost $32 million in prizemoney, she has her feet firmly planted on the ground as she leaves tennis at the top of her game.

There are other priorities in her life. Soon to be married, Barty loves nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends in Queensland.

There are likely to be tempting offers from other sports - she played top-level cricket during a break from tennis, is a fine golfer and loves AFL, so a crack at AFLW might not be out of the question.

Her future may not be restricted to sport, but at 25, there is plenty of time to contemplate the next move - who knows, but she will handle it with aplomb and give it her best shot.

Could she have another comeback in her, maybe try to win a US Open to complete the full set of Grand Slams?

Not for now, as we celebrate a glorious career.

Australia deserves hearty congratulations for sealing the Test series in Pakistan, winning the third Test convincingly after the disappointment of having to settle for draws in the previous two games.

Skipper Pat Cummins bowled beautifully in the first innings in Lahore, Nathan Lyon did an excellent job in the second innings and Usman Khawaja continued his incredible run of form with the bat.

Although there was more assistance for the bowlers in the third Test, the pitches in this series were sub-standard and not conducive to good, entertaining cricket.

The International Cricket Council should make it clear to the Pakistanis this is nowhere near good enough.

Has Howard got it right? Email: howardkotton11@gmail.com; Twitter: @hpkotton59