THERE is one quarter and one kick that will stand out from the finals. Both have made the bottom half of the top 10 of AFL.com.au's countdown of the 50 things we'll remember from 2015. And off the field, one of the game's superstars reminded us about an illness to which everyone is vulnerable.
10. "Tex's kick" in the elimination final against the Dogs
Leading by one point with two minutes remaining, Adelaide rebounded from their defensive half and the ball landed with Taylor Walker on the wing after some deft bodywork. At that moment 'Tex' controlled the final and he took two bounces as he surveyed his options. A one-on-one deep in attack looked to be the obvious choice, but he pulled the kick back brilliantly to Charlie Cameron in an inspired decision. It was the match-winning move in a great final.
9. Mick Malthouse's record-breaking exit from the game
"I bear no grudges and I have no regrets," Malthouse wrote in a statement that confirmed his exit from Carlton. "I have achieved some amazing football highs with some wonderful people and endured tough times with great support." It was an exit that had to happen after an explosive interview on SEN when the coach dared the Blues to either back him or sack him. In the end he was sacked just three weeks after breaking Jock McHale's record for games coached. Malthouse's future was back page news for much of the early season and a distraction for Carlton, which arguably weighed on the players on game day. Malthouse fired a parting shot at president Mark LoGiudice two days after his sacking, saying public comments that named Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs as potential trade bait had killed the confidence of the playing group, which had been hard for him to restore.
Mick Malthouse departs after his record-breaking match. Picture: AFL Media
8. Buddy's mental health battle
Lance Franklin, the highest profile star in the game, showed that anyone is susceptible to mental health issues when he was ruled out of the Swans' qualifying final against Fremantle with "an ongoing mental health condition". It was later revealed Franklin also suffered from a mild form of epilepsy that was not related. Franklin's decision to reveal his condition was brave and raised awareness in the community about both mental health and epilepsy. The star had suffered a seizure at a Bondi café on the eve of the Swans' last home-and-away game of the season and was taken to hospital. He played the following match but then sought support for his mental health issues and didn't play again. He didn't attend the club best and fairest but is in good spirits and physical health as pre-season starts.
7. Chris Judd waves a sad goodbye
You could see it on Judd's face after his left leg buckled, and the worst case scenario was all but confirmed by the way he acknowledged the crowd as he was taken from the MCG on a motorised cart. The dual Brownlow medallist had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, bringing forward his retirement. As Judd was taken from the ground he sat up to wave to the Carlton supporters and the nearby Adelaide cheer squad, which also stood to applaud a champion of the game. Judd had no second thoughts about retiring after the extent of his injury was confirmed, and he said his decision to play on for another year was the wrong one. It was a sad way for a modern day legend to finish his career, and his exit prompted an outpouring of support on social media from players and coaches.
Chris Judd waves to the crowd as he leaves the field after rupturing his knee. Picture: AFL Media 
6. Cyril's sizzling start to Grand Final
Rioli's genius broke the Grand Final open and made him an overwhelming choice as best on ground, joining his uncles Maurice Rioli and Michael Long as a Norm Smith medallist. He kicked the Hawks' first goal with a left foot snap and found room to kick his second after 11 minutes. It was the incredible ease with which he found space that rattled the Eagles' defenders, starting in the centre square before drifting forward menacingly. By quarter-time the Hawks had kicked 5.0, and Rioli seemed to play a role in every goal. His start was the most crucial individual contribution in the game, and although his impact waned somewhat after that, the Norm Smith Medal judges had long enough memories and weren't tempted by other stars who emerged once the game was on Hawthorn's terms. The crowd did plenty to remind them, too chanting 'Cyril' every time their favourite found the ball. Rioli, who received 13 of a possible 15 votes, dedicated his medal to his late cousin Fabian Brock. Asked how it felt post-match to be the AFL's first four-time indigenous premiership player, his coach Alastair Clarkson interrupted, noting Shaun Burgoyne also just won his fourth flag. "Does he have a 'Norm'?," Rioli then quietly asked with a smile.
