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'Unbelievable': AFL world erupts over never-before-seen moment

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·4-min read
Darcy Fort, pictured here breaking the record for most goals without a behind to start an AFL career.
Darcy Fort broke the record for most goals without a behind to start an AFL career. Image: Getty/Fox Footy

Darcy Fort etched his name into the AFL history books on Sunday night after becoming the first player ever to kick 12-consecutive goals without a behind to start their career.

Brisbane stamped themselves as the front-runners to challenge reigning premiers Melbourne with a resounding 24-point victory over Sydney at the SCG.

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The Lions were without Joe Daniher for the second half but were still able to withstand a Lance Franklin-inspired fightback by the Swans to run out 17.11 (113) to 13.11 (89) winners.

It marked the Lions' first victory at the SCG since 2009 and also featured a never-before-seen moment for ruckman Fort.

With his goal in the second quarter, Fort made it 12-consecutive goals to start his career without kicking a single behind.

The previous record of 11 was held by Zach Merrett, Will Snelling and Ryan Fitzgerald.

“Will it ever be challenged? Will it ever be broken?" Brenton Speed said in commentary for Fox Footy.

"Darcy Fort can extend that of course. Until he misses, he’ll add to that record that will be so hard to chase down.”

Fitzgerald took to Twitter with a cheeky response after Fort broke his record.

“FFS Darcy Fort. You’ll go on to have a decorated career," he tweeted.

"This is the only stat I could hang my hat on. Could’ve just tied with us mate.”

Brisbane Lions show off premiership credentials

Brisbane dominated in the ruck and around the stoppages to lead by 33 points at half-time, but saw the margin all-but disappear as the Swans kicked five goals in the opening eight minutes of the third term.

Franklin slotted four of those majors including a dribble kick from the boundary line that was paid despite bouncing off the goal umpire and back into play.

But Brisbane then responded with five unanswered goals of their own.

The Lions' hoodoo-breaking victory was soured by an injury to star forward Daniher, who left the field just before half-time and was then subbed out with a shoulder injury during the main break.

Daniher entered the round sitting in equal-second place in the Coleman Medal with 19 goals, but could only kick two behinds from his three disposals against the Swans.

Brisbane Lions players, pictured here celebrating after their win over Sydney at the SCG.
Brisbane Lions players celebrate after their win over Sydney at the SCG. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images ) (Matt King/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"He had a bit of a sore shoulder so we didn't want to take any risks with him," Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said.

"We had 10 goal-kickers tonight, we regularly have 10 goal-kickers. We don't really rely on one person to score for us."

While Franklin finished the match with six goals, Tom Papley was unable to have his usual impact in his first game of the season.

Papley had been sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in the pre-season.

After winning the opening clearance of the match, the 2021 All-Australian forward could only gather 10 possessions and failed to hit the scoreboard while the Swans only had five goal-kickers.

"We got what we knew we'd get. It was his first game back, we're not relying upon Tom Papley," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"He hasn't played for six weeks, he'll be better for that run."

with AAP

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