Fan returns Buddy Franklin’s 1,000th AFL goal ball at the SCG

Alex Wheeler, who caught prized Sherrin in the stands, says it was always his intention to return the ball

• Jubilation and pandemonium greet Lance Buddy' Franklin's 1,000th goal - in pictures

Lance Franklin has been reunited with the ball he kicked for his historic 1,000 AFL goal on Friday night after the fan who caught it in the stands of the Sydney Cricket Ground was identified and invited to present the prized Sherrin to the Sydney Swans player.

At a press conference held with Franklin at the SCG on Monday morning, Swans fan Alex Wheeler said he had always planned to return the valuable piece of memorabilia - reported to have a six-figure value.