SourceASIDE from their famed midfield none of the Eagles fans packed into the MCG will dare forget the game of the giant man with the glove, Quinten Lynch.
He gave his side an edge, just enough, maybe, to help it win the flag.
There was a huge roar whenever he marked yesterday, and an even louder cheer when the replay was shown on the big screen.
Last year it proved an error leaving the farmer's son out of the 22 because it left the Eagles without a sizeable target in the goalsquare.
But the Eagles were not going to make that same mistake again.
Eagles coach John Worsfold knew he had a potential match-winner in the big bloke.
He had been hailing Lynch's talent in the lead-up to yesterday's classic encounter.
Asked early in the day which player's development had given him the most satisfaction in his time as Eagles coach, Worsfold nominated Lynch's rise in the past four years.
Yesterday's crowd of 97,431 sat spellbound as the Eagles mustered every last ounce of energy to hold off the reigning premier.
And right in the middle of it was the massive figure of Lynch.
The Eagles' No.21 had left the goalsquare and was scrambling for the ball near the centre.
He managed to squeeze out a short kick that could have been risky in those frenetic dying stages.
But the football gods were on Lynch's side.
The ball landed with a teammate and there was only one more heart-stopping moment before the siren sounded and he became part of West Australian football folklore.
Most of the pundits over the next few days will be praising the brilliance of Andrew Embley, the Norm Smith medallist, and the domination of Dean Cox in the ruck and that high-powered running machine of Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr and Ben Cousins that works out of the middle.
But Worsfold and his match committee will not be skimming over the contribution from Lynch, who kicked three goals when majors were at a premium.
Lynch has repaid the faith of his coach, and more so with a stunning finals series.
Even though his improvement has been gradual, it is clear the forward has provided a crucial missing piece in the puzzle to help the Eagles go that extra step.
Without a reliable man between the sticks the Eagles still might have been waiting for this stellar group of players to deliver.
Yesterday's Grand Final will be spoken of in glowing terms for years to come.
Although disappointed, the Swans can feel justly proud of their effort.
Few will be surprised now that in defence of their crown next year the Eagles' main challenge will come from the Paul Roos and his men.
OWNED!!!
I told you Lynch would be the difference.
