He kicked three more in the second half to complete his coronation.

Richmond’s run started in 2017 when he had a season that one of the game’s greatest players, Leigh Matthews, described as the best played. Martin won the Brownlow Medal and the Norm Smith Medal as he led the Tigers to a drought-breaking premiership after re-signing with the club on the eve of the finals.

His crumbing handball to Kane Lambert in the 2017 preliminary final, his kick to Marlion Pickett in the 2019 grand final, his crumbing goal as the Tigers roared back after half-time in the 2019 preliminary final and his goal from the boundary in his 200th game – the 2018 qualifying final – are part of Tiger folklore.

They elicited a rock-star roar; a player as in touch with what his fans really wanted as those probing him to know appeared out of touch to him.

Then Tom Hawkins announced on the same day he was retiring at season’s end.

The big Tomahawk is as adored in Geelong as Dusty is at Tigerland, having overcome doubters early in his career to forge one of the game’s finest careers, with three flags and 796 goals, so far.

His ability to kick goals from boundary throw-ins became as signature a move as Dusty’s don’t argue, getting the Cats off to a flier with the first two goals in the 2022 grand final having brought the team home in the 2011 grand final.

Hawkins was an open book, as friendly as a labrador, a cool Cat as tough as the retiring Tiger.