“D. HULME, three votes.”

They may not have been his biggest numbers, but Round 9, 2001 may have been the most impactful in the 110-game career of fan favourite Darren Hulme.

And one contest on the southern wing of the MCG summed him up perfectly.

Things weren’t going to plan for Carlton when they took on the Kangaroos on a Friday night 18 years ago, trailing by 35 points at half time.

Despite sitting fourth on the ladder before taking on the 13th-placed North, the Blues were being outplayed and desperately needed a spark.

Enter ‘Pup’.

This is exciting!



Liam Stocker will debut in the Old Dark Navy Blue on Sunday.#BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 3, 2019

Pitted against the 187cm John Blakey and 186cm Shane Clayton, the diminutive Hulme somehow won the contest in the air, again at ground level and got Carlton rolling.

Just 10 seconds later, the ball was in Carlton’s forward line, Brett Ratten had slotted one through and the Blues were back in business.

It inspired Carlton to a memorable comeback win in Lance Whitnall's 100th game.

Come the end of the game, Carlton would emerge 13-point victors, with Hulme - who commentator Dermott Brereton referred to on the night as none other than ‘Dusty’ - having another significant say at a crucial time.

50 years ago today, a shy, softly-spoken kid followed John Nicholls down the race.



It was the first step on the way to football immortality for Bruce Doull. ⭐️#BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 3, 2019

At the beginning of the final term, Hulme gave the Blues breathing space when he burned Glenn Archer for pace, shrugged off Blakey and converted on the run.

He ultimately collected 17 disposals on the way to his first-ever three-vote performance. With another best-on-ground performance in the Brownlow Medal the following week, they would be the only two in his career.

While injury may have plagued his career, Hulme — who at times seemed like 30 metres was his kicking distance — showed just how effective he could be.