Who would have thought that when the 2020 fixture was released that this was how the year would have ended up?

You would have been laughed across the Murray River if you were to suggest to the fervent footballing public of Victoria that many of them would not see a single game live this season.

A straight jacket would have been tailored to your measurements should you have suggested that the Grand Final would be played under lights at the Gabba in October.

However, due to arrival of an unforeseen and, as of yet, untameable virus, the game, like the rest of the world, was forced to make compromises.

With these changes came a fresh batch of terms to enter the footy lexicon, as well as the array of previously unthought of headlines that appeared on mastheads everywhere.

So despite a season that provided challenges for everyone involved in the game, it has also supplied many moments (both good and bad) that will live long in our memories.

Here are the top 10 headlines from a season unlike any before it.

4. The โ€˜Little Master' calls time

Following the completion of his 357th game and his second Grand Final defeat, Gary Ablett Jr walked off an AFL field for the last time.

In a career that has been referred to as one of the greatest of all time, Ablett averaged 24.9 disposals, 4.3 clearances and 1.2 goals per game across his 19 seasons at the top level.

The โ€˜Little Master' left the Gabba sans a third Premiership medallion, but with possibly the most stacked CV many of us are ever likely to see assembled.

Eight All-Australian selections. Six club Best and Fairests. Five league MVPs. Three club goalkicking awards. Three AFLCA champion player of the year awards. Two Brownlows. Two Premierships.

It truly does bely belief.

Having removed their medallions, the freshly crowned Premiers halted their celebratory lap of the Gabba to honour the ailing superstar.

Barely able to lift his right arm above his waist, Ablett waved goodbye to not just the 29,707 spectators in attendance, but to the game itself.

Having left us all with a treasure trove of memories, it will be strange not to see him pulling any more rabbits from his hat in 2021.