The lucky fan who caught the ball Buddy used to kick his 1000th goal has returned it to the Sydney Swans player today.

Alex Wheeler told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast that he was shocked when he managed to get his hands on the ball.

“It was a fair grab, very flukey, and I can’t believe it managed to stay in the paws,” the lucky marker said.

“There was a scramble on the ground, getting a couple of kicks in the ribs and the hands, but I managed to hang onto it.”

Alex said it’s only right Lance Franklin be reunited with the footy.

“There’s no point in me keeping it. I wanted to get it back to the Swans and to Buddy.”

Press PLAY below to hear the hilarious chat with the lucky Swans fan.

I got the pill #Buddy1000 pic.twitter.com/zr2uVheCbX

— Paddy Sweeney (@SweeneyPaddy9) March 26, 2022

The ball is back with Bud! #Buddy1000 pic.twitter.com/DufmPGQE4C

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) March 27, 2022