It had been 10 years since the last extra-time final, but that run ended in 2017. That classic final, a re-enactment of a magnificent goal and a rockstar performance all feature as we countdown from 10-6 in AFL.com.au's 50 things we'll remember from 2017.

10. Stringer pushed out as Bulldogs fall

The usual cunning and cat-and-mouse tactics that accompany the NAB AFL Trade Period went out the window for the Western Bulldogs when coach Luke Beveridge spoke frankly in mid-September, saying it was in his club's greater interests to explore a trade for Jake Stringer. The dramatic fall of the Bulldogs following their 2016 premiership was one of the rolling stories of 2017 and something had to change at the Kennel, with Stringer effectively shown the door. The Bulldogs became central to the Trade Period and were locked in a negotiation with Essendon for the Bombers' pick No.11. They dithered and missed out, with GWS pouncing on the prized selection in its deal for Devon Smith, forcing the Bulldogs to trade Stringer for a compromise of two second-round selections. After an exchange period that netted Josh Schache, Hayden Crozier and Jackson Trengove – and off-season of contemplation – the Bulldogs have the ability to bounce back under new skipper Easton Wood. They'll be a must-watch team early in 2018.





9. 'Danger' rises in throwback performance

After a collision with Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead in the first quarter of their round 17 clash, Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield was helped from the MCG with what looked like a serious leg injury. His Brownlow Medal hopes and the Cats' premiership chances were thrown into doubt in that moment, but the champion midfielder rose minutes later and jogged around the boundary line before heading to full forward. What followed was one of the most astonishing individual performances of the season and a throwback to a different era when full forwards were the game's biggest stars. Dangerfield continually drew the ball as a deep target, monstering the Hawks' defenders to kick 5.6. It got coaches thinking more about isolating their stars in attack, but the Cats kept the tactic up their sleeve until the semi-final against Sydney. Dangerfield returned to full forward against the Swans and kicked 4.3 to go with 26 possessions. It was a match-winning move from coach Chris Scott, and while the round 17 switch was out of necessity, this one was not. Could we see it more in 2018?

WATCH: Danger goes from hobbled to hero

Patrick Dangerfield was carried from the field following this incident. #AFLCatsHawks pic.twitter.com/KzOC8KCkmq — AFL (@AFL) July 15, 2017

8. Franklin emulates incredible goal

Defenders Cale Hooker and Daniel Talia might get together this summer to exchange war stories. Both have been the unfortunate victims of Lance Franklin's brilliance in two remarkably similar goals seven years apart. It was hard to imagine 'Buddy' topping his 2010 Goal of the Year, which saw the then Hawk take three bounces around the MCG wing before converting in the pocket while an exhausted Hooker chased in vain and shaking his head. In near identical circumstances this year, in round 22, Franklin set upon a loose ball on the Adelaide Oval wing and took off ahead of Talia. The Adelaide defender trailed the whole way and despite a bungled bounce from Franklin, the Swan still converted from 40m on the boundary line. To put an exclamation point on his season, Franklin booted 10 goals against Carlton to secure the Coleman Medal the following week. The superstar forward finished with 73 goals and was named All Australian for the seventh time. Still fighting to win their first premiership with Buddy on their list, the Swans will again be among the flag favourites in 2018.

7. Shuey saves West Coast and riles Port

In an opening week of finals blowouts, West Coast and Port Adelaide delivered a classic to save the day. With scores level after four quarters at Adelaide Oval, the match went into extra time and Port got the jump. But poor kicking stopped them from building a sizeable break and West Coast trailed by only four points when Luke Shuey was tackled high by Jared Polec with 20 seconds on the clock. The ice-cool Eagle went back and converted his set shot from 45m after the siren to send West Coast into a semi-final, leaving Power fans furious, believing Shuey had lifted the tackle high and no free kick should have been paid. Shuey wasn't the only hero, with Eric Mackenzie forcing extra time by sacrificing himself into the behind post late in the fourth quarter to avoid a rushed behind or a deliberate out of bounds call. Josh Kennedy also kicked two extra-time goals as the Eagles won their first final on the road since the 2006 premiership. "These type of wins, they go down in history," coach Adam Simpson said. "I couldn't be prouder."

6. Riewoldt celebrates on-stage with The Killers

For all the on-field brilliance and off-field emotion of Richmond's drought-breaking premiership, star forward Jack Riewoldt singing alongside The Killers will be one of the lasting images of the 2017 Grand Final. "You want to do a little Brightside with Jack Riewoldt?" frontman Brandon Flowers asked the crowd at the Grand Final after party on the MCG. With that the 29-year-old took to the stage in his full playing kit to belt out the band's hit Mr Brightside after his first premiership. Does life get much better? While it had the appearance of an impromptu performance, it was a couple of days in the making after Riewoldt mentioned to the Tigers' media staff that he'd love to join one of his favourite bands on stage, given the Tigers won of course. The AFL got involved and Riewoldt's dream became a reality. "I've got to cut the premiership celebrations short because I'm going on tour with The Killers," he joked the next day. "I was trending more than Donald Trump last night. What a win."

Nathan Schmook's top 50 countdown

- 50 things we'll remember: 50-41

- 50 things we'll remember: 40-31

- 50 things we'll remember: 30-21

- 50 things we'll remember: 20-11

- 50 things we'll remember: 5-1