Dustin Martin looked proppy and was not kicking well.
But one of the AFL's strongest players could still battle.
And so late in the third quarter on Friday night at the MCG, with Richmond pressing in their preliminary final against Geelong, Dusty the bull had his moment.
Martin was under pressure on the wing as he contested for a ground ball.
Bringing the ball under his body was risky, but he was clever and play continued, with a ball-up the most likely result.
Somehow, Martin kept the ball alive with brute strength before dishing off a handball.
Moments later, Dion Presita marked and goaled to put the Tigers 10 points ahead.
Fast forward to 12 minutes into the last quarter, with the game still in the balance.
A speculative kick forward found Martin and key forward Tom Lynch in one-on-one contests.
Martin laid a perfect shepherd for Lynch, who marked and kicked his fifth goal.
It was that sort of night for Martin - far from his best, but he was still a massive factor.
After tearing Brisbane apart in the qualifying final with six goals, Martin's game on Friday night was a more modest two goals and 22 possessions.
He had started with a bang and kicked a goal, but from early in the first quarter looked hampered by a leg problem.
It soon became clear his kicking was affected, with an inside-50 pass in the second quarter too easily cut off.
As the Cats sprang to a 21-point lead at half time, there were uncomfortable memories for Tigers fans.
A year ago, Martin clearly was struggling with a leg problem as Collingwood laid Richmond in their preliminary final.
This time, Martin modified his game and played his part as others, especially Lynch and Bachar Houli, led the way to a pulsating preliminary final win.
Martin's fitness will be a big talking point in grand final week.
Australian Associated Press
