In one of the greatest finals performances ever seen, Geelong's 35-year-old champion Patrick Dangerfield wound back the clock yet again.
As Hawthorn burst out of the gates with a scintillating start, the Hawks found themselves with a three-goal-to-none start.
But it was Dangerfield who stemmed the flow once again.
Dangerfield kicked Geelong’s first goal and set the tone for a team that looked rattled and shell-shocked by a Hawks side full of exuberance.
MORE: Tom Stewart to miss a Geelong grand final after heartbreaking injury
From that moment on, it was the Danger-show.
As described by Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall as "one of the greatest individual performances we have ever seen," Dangerfield lifted his side off the canvas.
32 disposals and three goals—which were both season highs—for the Cats champion summarised his outstanding night as he drove Geelong into yet another Grand Final.
But it was his desire for the ball and his contested ability that was second to none.
At 35 years old, Dangerfield led the game with 21 contested possessions, eight clearances and nine inside-50’s in a performance that can only be described as astounding.
The only negative note for the victorious Cats comes from an unfortunate concussion to Vice-Captain Tom Stewart.
The pre-finals bye has been a popular topic in recent weeks with incoming AFL football boss Greg Swann stating earlier in the week:
"We think that bye would be better off before the Grand Final," Swann said to the AFL Record.
"It’s more to do with somebody getting concussed and not being able to play, (in the Grand Final) that’s why.”