Richmond have claimed their third premiership in four years and edged themselves into the conversation as one of the greatest teams of all time after a 31-point win over Geelong at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Trailing by 22 points midway through the second term,Dustin Martin led the Tigers'rebound in style,helping the club claim back-to-back flags for the first time since 1973-74,denying Geelong champion Gary Ablett the fairytale ending to his distinguished career.
Tigers president Peggy O'Neal claimed this COVID-19 premiership would be the most difficult to win and in a season when the Tigers were regularly in the headlines for off-field issues,the frustration was washed away with a stunning win.
In an historic grand final that was held interstate and under lights for the first time because of Melbourne's lockdown restrictions,Martin had 21 touches and booted four goals.
He etched himself into immortality by becoming the first triple Norm Smith medallist while skipper Trent Cotchin became the first Tiger to captain his side to three flags.
"It's been an incredible year. First and foremost,full credit to Geelong. I grew up barracking for Geelong and I have been envious of the way they consistently saddle up every year,"Cotchin told Channel Seven.
"This year is no different,they challenged us. But credit to our boys,they just continued to show the resilience that we know they can."
The Tigers were relentless after half-time through their fabled territory style,with ruckman Toby Nankervis working hard,while Shane Edwards and Jayden Short found plenty of the ball.
Thunderstorms through the day had threatened to make the weather an issue but the rain largely kept away after the opening bounce.
Ablett,a premiership player in 2007 and 2009,missed the Cats'2011 flag as he had joined the Gold Coast Suns. He returned to his beloved Cats in time for the 2018 season in the hope of one last tilt at a premiership but,on this night,he could not will his side across the line.