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Strathfieldsaye’s Lachlan Sharp became just the fourth BFNL player in the past 20 years to kick a century of goals in the home and away season.
Sharp’s fourth goal on Saturday against Kangaroo Flat took his season tally to 100 and he joined BFNL greats Grant Weeks, Steven Oliver and Steven Reaper as the only players since 1998 to reach double figures inside the home and away season.
Sharp’s brilliant season comes on the back of missing last year because of a knee reconstruction.
His eight-goal haul against the Roos gave him a season tally of 104 goals in 16 games.
“I never thought this is something that I’d achieve,’’ Sharp said on Sunday.
“Originally, I thought I wouldn’t be playing until mid-season this year, so just to be playing games was a positive.
“To kick the 100 goals was a bonus and, hopefully, we can now go on and achieve something bigger as a team.”
Sharp’s premiership team-mate Stephen Milne kicked a century of goals for the Storm in 2014, but he didn’t reach the milestone until grand final day.
The fact Sharp is the first Storm player to kick 100 goals in the home and away season is a record he cherishes.
“I’m really proud to have kicked 100 for my home club,’’ Sharp said.
“It really hasn’t sunk in yet. I’ve sort of got to sit back and pinch myself.”
Sharp was swamped by team-mates and supporters after he reached the ton.
“It was good to have the loyal Storm fans out on the ground and to have the reserves and under-18 players out there,’’ Sharp said.
“It was great to share the moment with people who care about the club. It was a great club day… the support was just awesome.”
Strathfieldsaye’s 143-point drubbing of Kangaroo Flat combined with Eaglehawk’s stunning victory over Kyneton and Golden Square’s regulation win against South Bendigo means the BFNL top three is set.
Only a minor miracle could stop Eaglehawk from finishing on top, while the Storm and Square can’t finish any lower than third and are long odds-on to meet in the qualifying final.
That leaves Kyneton, Sandhurst and South Bendigo battling for fourth and fifth.
The Tigers and Dragons are best-placed to qualify for September, with the Bloods needing to win their final two games against Strathfieldsaye and Kangaroo Flat to have any chance of playing finals.