Chris Judd's had 24 hours to let the dust settle and reflect, since calling time on his magnificent career.
The dual Brownlow medallist masked his emotions with wit, humour and humility, as he announced his retirement at a packed media conference.
Speaking to Triple M's Hot Breakfast on Wednesday, Judd revealed he recently received some very useful advice from Carlton great Stephen Kernahan.
“I spoke to ‘Sticks’ about six months ago and he made it clear you didn’t have to cry in your press conferences … he said you’ve just got to be smart about how you structure it up,” Judd said.
“The family is the one that gets you so leave them until last and just brush over them – I tried to do that but got a little bit emotional at the end.”
Among those on Judd’s list of thanks were his parents, Andrew and Lisa. While his AFL career spanned 14 years, Judd said the “incredible support” from his family started when he was just a little boy who just wanted to kick the footy.
“Their support throughout my whole life has been amazing,” he said.
“I remember kicking the footy with my old man when I was six or seven and we’d kick it for three or four hours at a time and it must have driven him mad, but I can never remember him trying to get home early – he stuck it out with me.
“I was really lucky to have those guys as parents.”
And it was Judd’s parents who were there with support once again on Saturday, driving him from the MCG to hospital for the prognosis that would end his career.
Although the Carlton champion joked the Club's hovercraft Blue Betty might have been a more apt mode of transport.
"It would have been a nice touch – it would have made that match-day experience a little bit more memorable," Judd laughed.
Carlton supporters will have the chance to farewell Judd when the Blues take on Melbourne in Round 21 at the MCG – Carlton's final home game of the season.
Judd will complete a lap of honour … but it's unclear if he'll be reacquainted with Blue Betty for the occasion.