They become the stuff of schoolyard legend. Theirs are the numbers adorning the backs of the fawning faithful. The true rockstars of our great game.
The high flyers.
It's part of the fabric of the code, is the hanger. There's nothing quite like the roar of a crowd when one of the men in the arena sits on the shoulders of another, and with velcro-like hands, plucks the Sherrin from the skies.
Take a look at some of those who have forged a reputation for themselves as artists among the clouds.
9. Nic Naitanui
Ah, "Nic Nat".
An absolute specimen of an athlete, whose battles with injury undoubtedly robbed the competition of one of the great careers.
That's not the say he didn't leave an indelible imprint on the game while we were beholden to his greatness.
He perfected the pack mark with textbook form. Knees on shoulders, hands high and strong, and very rarely did he need a second, let alone third bite of the cherry. Clean clunks only, when the Fijian-flyer was at his best.
A three-time All-Australian, two-time best and fairest and 2015 Mark of the Year recipient, we should collectively shudder to think what else this genetic freak could've achieved if his body held up.
A special, special talent.
