A BRENDAN Fevola-inspired Victoria took home the spoils in a shoot-out against the All Stars in the EJ Whitten Legends Game on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.
Fevola had been commentating the match but he came on to the field in the last term after being spurred on by the crowd.
GALLERY: Check out all the best pics from the Legends game
He booted the final goal of the game much to the delight of the 18,074 fans in attendance, before kicking the sealer in the shoot-out after the scores were tied up at the final siren. Victoria won the game, 1.23.9 (156) to 2.18.16 (142).
Richmond supporters would have had flashbacks early when their flawed hero Matthew Richardson shanked a set shot. However, the ball fell straight into the hands of Scott Cummings, with Richardson suggesting the ball had been delivered that way on purpose.
Unlike Richardson, North Melbourne legend Wayne Carey's unselfishness was intended. He was constantly able to find his teammates with either boot, showing his class had not deserted him.
Chad Cornes' torpedoes were as big as his biceps, with a supergoal halfway through the last term putting the All Stars up by 12 points.
Victorian forward Barry Hall won the EJ Whitten Medal after booting six goals.
Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling had a chance at glory when he ran into goal in the third quarter, but his right foot let him down, and he sent the ball out on the full.
Jason Akermanis collected plenty of the ball but was uncharacteristically inaccurate in front of goal. The former Brisbane Lion and Western Bulldog finished with 1.4.
The Vics celebrate Brendan Fevola's match-winning goal: Picture: AFL Photos
Wayne Carey and Campbell Brown catch up post-match after the Vics' win. Picture: AFL Photos
Wayward kicking had struck the whole team, with the All Stars kicking six straight behinds to open the game before Joel Smith leveled the game with a goal for Victoria.
A nasty head clash to Akermanis in the third term with premiership teammate Chris Johnson saw the Brownlow medallist down for a few seconds, before he had to leave the ground.
Jason Akermanis came off second best in this head clash with his old teammate Chris Johnson. #EJLegendsGame https://t.co/wilYlLqJWH
— AFL (@AFL) September 2, 2016
It was clear that star Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin only retired last year – he managed to mark against Victorian captain Jonathan Brown at one stage and stood tall against a star-studded forward line that also included Hall and Dermott Brereton.
Collingwood supporters would have delighted at the form of Helen Roden, who finished with four goals. Roden's announcement as a rookie on the Magpies' women's list came on Friday afternoon.
A brilliant sidestep in the first quarter was reminiscent of her brother David Rodan, who played at Richmond, Port Adelaide and Melbourne.
Victoria and the All Stars pose for a group shot after the game. Picture: AFL Photos
Rodan showed off the dance moves that helped make him a cult hero after an Adam Yze goal by doing the worm, before returning to his usual duties as goal umpire.
Comedian and Friday Front Bar regular Sam Pang found himself outmatched when he was in a tussle with Martin Pike. Pang had the last laugh, though, earning a free kick against Pike before receiving a 50m penalty, to kick another goal for the Victorians.
Richo's lost the plot! #EJLegendsGame https://t.co/4nJCUrbC7i
— AFL (@AFL) September 2, 2016