Retiring star Steve Johnson is renowned for being a rascal but resilience is the trait that has given him a sniff of signing off with a fourth AFL premiership.
Greater Western Sydney veteran Johnson confirmed on Thursday a decision he made a year ago, that 2017 would be his final season.
Johnson's goal-kicking wizardry was a hallmark of Geelong's 2007, 2009 and 2011 flags.
Johnson also collected three All-Australian gongs and a Norm Smith Medal with the Cats, who made it clear he was on his final chance in 2007 after suffering an injury while drunkenly climbing a fence at a pub.
The 34-year-old's chirp and cheek on the field throughout a 289-game career is the stuff of legend but there is also a serious side to him.
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It is reflected in Johnson's leadership at GWS but also the fact he eked out two extra seasons after being offloaded by Geelong in 2016.
"He's running around purely on adrenaline," GWS coach Leon Cameron said of Johnson, who has played 14 games this year and struggled with a chronic knee injury.
"It's a huge battle. When he's up and down stairs at home with his kids, he's aching a fair bit and thinking how am I going to get up on Saturday?
"But he works his mind over and gets up.
"There's been some massive names that have finished up in the last week or two and he's right up there with them."
Johnson joins fellow AFL greats Matthew Boyd, Jobe Watson, Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Matt Priddis and Scott Thompson in hanging up the boots at the end of the season.
The goalsneak suggested it was too early to reflect on a career that has featured plenty of highlights, or contemplate what 2018 holds.
Johnson only has eyes on a fourth flag.
"I'd love nothing more than to finish off with a couple of goals in a grand final but there's a long way to go before that happens," he said.
"The body's been battling throughout this season. There's been games where I've played decent footy then I've had to take a week off.
"It's been a bit of a grind.
"Two days after a game, some of these kids are running around full pace and I'm looking at them and just can't believe it's even possible."
But the No.24 pick from the 2001 draft has no regrets about signing for a 16th season.
"I'm really glad I have ... I knew it was going to be tough," he said.
"I feel very content that I'll be leaving the game with nothing left in the tank."
STEVE JOHNSON'S AFL CAREER
AGE: 34
GAMES: 289
DEBUT: 2002, round six (vs Brisbane)
* Taken at pick 24 in the AFL's celebrated 2001 "super draft", which included Luke Hodge, Luke Ball, Chris Judd, Jimmy Bartel, Sam Mitchell, Gary Ablett and Dane Swan.
GOALS: 510
PREMIERSHIPS: 3 (2007, 2009, 2011)
HONOURS: 3 x All Australian (2007, 2008, 2010), 1 x Norm Smith Medal (2007).
