You always remember those moments in sport when time stands still.
The ball in motion, the crowd roaring and an athlete changing the course of a game with a single touch.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s 55m bomb to seal a famous Bulldog victory is another one of those signature moments and will be played for years to come.
But this wasn’t about just one moment, this was a game where every action mattered, every matchup critical and a team winning the important contests late.
Fortunately, it was the red, white and blue that managed it the best for the longest.
Take Bailey Dale as an example. Often celebrated for his laser-like kicking ability and terrific vision but it is his defensive efforts that the team loves.
Five minutes remaining, Demons lead by two. Bailey Fritsch spots Alex Neal-Bullen in the square. If Dale takes body, free kick. If Dale chops his arms, free kick. With a desperate lunge, the defender gets all ball and safely sees it over the line.
That is a point of difference in the game.
Talk about clutch, Riley Garcia had his biggest moment of a fledgling AFL career.
The 21-year-old marks inside 50 from Bailey Smith, plays on from a tight angle and sends a drop punt towards goal.
Crowd roars, Dogs in front.
Step forward, Jamarra Ugle Hagan.
With 18 seconds left, the rangy forward roves a tap from Bailey Williams, wheels onto his left and sails it home from long range.
Five for the night, Dogs win.
The final five minutes is what will be remembered, but some individual and team performances that will be lauded over the next week.
The skip had a final quarter for the ages to will his side over the line. Ten touches, seven clearances and four tackles. It all started out of the centre and he made it his mission to have an impact late.
What about Jack Macrae? The ball magnet had 25 possessions in the second half and nullified a rampaging Melbourne midfield.
Bailey Williams played a crucial role on the wing of Ed Langdon, while Tim English had 20 and kicked two against the most imposing ruck combination in the AFL.
The titanic contest is just another chapter in the growing rivalry between the Dogs and the Demons.
We’re already looking forward to the next edition.
