A snail's pace in battle for ColemanSam Lienert
August 9, 2011THE Coleman Medal is on track to be won this season with the lowest goal tally in more than 30 years.
Hawthorn's Lance Franklin and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt, both past winners, are tied for the lead on 54 goals, with four rounds remaining.
Franklin topped the century for his previous medal win, kicking 102 goals during the home and away season in the Hawks' 2008 premiership year.
But barring an unexpected late surge from Franklin or Riewoldt, or a huge purple patch from one of the chasing pack, this year's award will be won with a much more mediocre figure.
If Franklin maintains his current season goal rate and plays the Hawks' remaining four games, he is set to finish on 68 goals, with Riewoldt on track for 66.
Not since Hawthorn legend Leigh Matthews won the Coleman with 67 majors in 1975 has the medal been won with a tally even close to that mark.
Collingwood's Travis Cloke, who has 51 goals, Carlton's Andrew Walker (48), St Kilda's Stephen Milne (46) and West Coast's Josh Kennedy (42) are others within striking range.
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