'What a moment': Incredible story behind beautiful post-grand final embrace
First-gamer and now premiership star Marlion Pickett emerged as the story of the 2019 AFL grand final, rising from footballing obscurity to win two premierships in two weeks.
Even as Tigers fans celebrated their 12th premiership and the heroics of their unlikely first-gamer, many were quick to acknowledge the sacrifice of another premiership star, Shaun Grigg.
'WHOLESOME AS IT GETS': Young girl steals the show in AFL grand final presentation
A fan favourite, Grigg decided to retire mid-way through the 2019 season, partly due to ongoing injury troubles, but also to allow the Tigers to sign a player through the AFL’s mid-season draft, which was implemented this season.
Even Grigg himself wouldn’t have predicted just how crucial that decision would turn out to be, with Pickett picking up votes for the Norm Smith medal.
The pair shared an embrace in the middle of the MCG after the game, with plenty of Richmond fans taking to social media to show support for the former champion and his successor.
Grigg presented Pickett with his jumper before the game as well, in a fitting gesture.
Shaun Grigg and Marlion Pickett embrace after the game.
Grigg retired so the Tigers could draft Pickett.
What a moment 🙏#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/VtGAPhI3jj— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 28, 2019
Shaun Grigg presents Marlion Pickett his guernsey 🙏#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/hMtMJyfxBn
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 28, 2019
Shaun Grigg deserves a medal for retiring and opening up a spot on the list for Marlion Pickett. #AFLGF
— Alex Fair (@AJFair85) September 28, 2019
Shaun Grigg Richmond's clubman of the year. Giving up his spot mid year that Pickett took. Outstanding unselfishness.
— Just_grumpy (@grumpy_just) September 28, 2019
Shaun grigg for Australian of the year
— HJM (@haydenjames32) September 28, 2019
There was a lot of talk this week about if Premiership medals to players not in the 22. Well if anyone deserves one it is Shaun Grigg. Retired for the good of the team, they got Pickett and he helps them to the Premiership. Massively selfless. #AFLGrandFinal
— Mitchell Woodcock (@Mitch_Woodcock) September 28, 2019
Tigers destroy Giants in grand final ‘bloodbath’
Richmond have confirmed their new dynasty, crushing GWS by 89 points in the most-lopsided AFL grand final in 12 years.
The 17.12 (114) to 3.7 (25) thrashing on Saturday at the MCG gives the Tigers their second flag in three years and confirms coach Damien Hardwick's men as the latest AFL pacesetters.
Fittingly, Maureen Hafey presented the premiership cup to Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin.
Her late husband, the legendary Tom Hafey, coached Richmond to their last dynasty that featured the 1967, '69 and 73-74 premierships.
It is Richmond's 12th flag, drawing them level with Melbourne in equal-fifth place.
It is the biggest grand final thrashing since Geelong's record 119-point win in 2007 over Port Adelaide.
Dustin Martin shone with four goals and won his second Norm Smith Medal as best afield.
Marlion Pickett, the story of the past two days since his debut was announced, also starred on the game's biggest stage.
The 27-year-old father of four, who did jail time as a teenager and was recruited four months ago, impressed as he became only the sixth player in AFL history to debut in a grand final.
