Lost in the disappointment of the Western Bulldogs' season-ending loss to Fremantle last Sunday was an extraordinary effort from veteran defender Bailey Dale.
The 29-year-old earned his second All-Australian selection on Thursday night, attending the ceremony with a cast and a sling supporting his left arm.
That's because the 178-game Dale fell awkwardly on his arm in the third term against the Dockers, as first reported by AFL.com.au's Riley Beveridge.
Despite suffering a broken wrist, Dale played out the final quarter as the Dogs tried to overturn a 32-point deficit at the last change and keep their season alive.
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The Bulldogs kicked seven goals to four in the final quarter, but it wasn't enough as they suffered 15-point defeat that subjected them to ninth place on the ladder.
Dale somehow recorded eight disposals and two marks in that final quarter before scans showed he had sustained a fracture, undergoing surgery on Tuesday.
It meant Dale would have been absent from the entire finals series if Luke Beveridge's side had managed to qualify for September.
Dale, who signed a contract extension through to the end of 2029 earlier this month, is expected to be ready for a full pre-season when the Dogs return to the club.
A number of footy fans paid their respects to Dale after learning of his brave effort.
The Average Insider on X tweeted: "Played out the game though. Left it all out there for the Dogs."
Raymondvv stated: "Geez - came back on the ground. Tough."
Eastern Dog wrote: "Hope he makes a full recovery, man is a true legend."
Andrew Dalton offered: "It looked very sore when he did it. Brushed trainers off and kept playing."
The Dom Theory added: "Tough as nails. If only a few Hawks could take a leaf."
Dale will be a crucial member of Beveridge's side yet again next year when the Bulldogs attempt to bounce back from this season's disappointment and reach the finals series in 2026.