In an alternate universe Gary Ablett and Tom Lynch could have been lining up in an AFL grand final side by side in 2020.
Lynch played under Ablett for seven years at Gold Coast in a team many hoped could evolve into a flag contender given the young talent that the expansion side drafted in alongside their star recruit.
Instead, Ablett left the Suns to return to Geelong at the end of 2017 without the club playing a final.
A year later Lynch also quit the Suns to move to Victoria, joining Richmond.
On Saturday, in the state both used to call home, the two former Suns’ captains will line up on opposite sides in a premiership decider.
It’s an irony that’s not lost on Lynch, who is one win away from claiming back-to-back premierships with the Tigers.
“He’s obviously been an amazing player and Gaz is an amazing person as well,” Lynch said.
“My captain for six years … I really look up to Gary. He’d just do anything for anyone and he was an amazing role model and still is for me.
“Obviously it’s his last game and had some really good memories playing alongside him, watching him kick all those goals.
“Those are things I’ll look back on fondly at the end of my career.”
A third premiership for Ablett in his 357th and final AFL match is a fairytale ending for Cats’ fans and many neutrals.
Lynch and his Tigers teammates are however ready to spoil the dream finale, with the key forward just as in awe of current teammate Dustin Martin as he was when he played alongside Ablett.
“I’m happy running out beside Dustin this weekend, I’ll tell you that much,” Lynch said of the two-time Norm Smith Medallist’s big game influence.