Bachar Houli admitted he had to call on every ounce of mental strength he owns to continue playing in the 2020 Grand Final against Geelong.
The Richmond defender popped his calf during the first quarter of the decider, not long after teammate Nick Vlastuin had been stretchered from the Gabba with a heavy concussion.
Houli said he simply had to receive the necessary treatment, move beyond the pain and play on so as not to further disrupt the rotations for Damien Hardwick and his coaching staff.
“I’ll be honest, I think anyone in that position as a player would have played on,” Houli revealed on SEN Afternoons.
“Whether it be hobbling along, or whatever it takes, there’s no next week and you just give it all you’ve got.
“I must admit, mentally I was struck pretty hard, particularly when Nick went down. I felt like I was a massive, massive letdown.
“To be able to play with two less men out there for the majority of the game would obviously impact the result at the end, particularly when you’re playing against such a quality opposition.
“I went through and did what I had to do. The medical team took care of it.
“It was pretty sore after the game and for the next three or four days I struggled to walk around.
“But I think it was all worthwhile in the end.”
It was a courageous and wise decision from Houli who played an integral role as the Tigers produced a second-half blitz, turning a 15-point half-time deficit into a 31-point triumph over the Cats.
He finished the Grand Final with 11 disposals and three rebound 50s as Richmond claimed a third flag in four years.