Both put their body through hell throughout their careers and also this season in the hope of one more chance of glory.
And in a finals fairytale for the visitors, it was Gold Coast’s favourite son delivering the club’s greatest moment in history in the biggest game in their 15 years.
David Swallow and Nat Fyfe: Two club-loyal titans of the game.Credit: AFL Photos
The outpouring of emotion, joy and pure pandemonium at Swallow’s goal, before being overturned, and then moments later at the final siren are rare scenes.
The pictures beamed nationwide and had the footy world captivated.
History was being made before our very eyes, and while it ripped the heart out of the purple army, it brought a smile to the neutral observer.
Loading
Swallow’s embrace with teammates, fans and then his family is something many will remember for a long time, something Swallow himself will remember forever.
On the flipside, Fyfe’s farewell, albeit not going to script, was all class.
He had a moment on field when taking a brilliant contested mark, displaying the type of courage he has throughout his 16 seasons.
His press conference post-game spoke more to the calibre of person he is than the athlete. Raw, reflective and insightful, conducting himself in a first-class manner.
He had accepted his fate, his lot in footy, that a premiership was not to be.
While David’s heroics has earned him the chance at another shot in September, the Goliath’s legacy will also live on at Fremantle.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
