Lance Franklin loves the big stage and that was no more evident than under the Friday night lights against reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs.

The star forward put on a masterclass in the final quarter against the Bulldogs with three magnificent goals putting his side right back in the hunt.

Franklin finished the match with 22 disposals, 11 marks and four goals for the match but it was his 15 minute burst early in the final term that had the football world talking.

Consecutive 60 metre bombs that sailed straight through the middle had the crowd in awe of the brilliance on display as Buddy looked to lift his side over the line.

Coach John Longmire summed it up simply after the game.

"At the big times and big occasions he is a massive competitor," Longmire said of Franklin's performance.

"He had a real crack in that last quarter and I thought all of our boys lifted and responded.

"We needed to do that for 30 minutes and we couldn't do it for the last 10 minutes."

Franklin has now booted eight goals across his first two matches this season to lead the Coleman Medal race mid way through Round 2.

The superstar forward will be looking to fire again next Friday night against Collingwood at the SCG as he celebrates his 250 game milestone and looks to help his team to their first win of the season.