Michael Clarke bowed out of One-Day International cricket on the ultimate high then dedicated Australia's ICC Cricket World Cup triumph to the late Phil Hughes.
The 33-year-old retired from the 50-over format after leading his country to a seven wicket success against New Zealand at the MCG, including a personal performance of 74 from 72 balls with the bat.
A record crowd of 93,013 witnessed Australia's victory and Clarke couldn't hide his emotion when they stood to applaud him.
The nation with which Clarke is now celebrating is the same country he was leading in mourning when Hughes was tragically killed in November - and the captain says memories of their former teammate remain very much a part of the Australia side.
"I think for everybody in Australian cricket it's been a really tough few months," Clarke said.
"I'm sure I don't just speak for myself, I'm sure everybody standing on this stage tonight will say that we've played this World Cup with 16 players. Tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and team-mate Phillip Hughes.
"Hughes used to party as good as any of them so I'll make sure we drink two at a time tonight, one for Hughesy and one for us."
Australia's victory was Clarke's 50th at the helm of the one-day side having taken over in the wake of a quarter-final defeat against India four years ago.
He bows out of the 50-over format after playing 245 matches and scoring 7981 runs at an average of over 44. His ODI career has included eight hundreds and 58 fifties.
"Brendon and the New Zealand team deserve a lot of credit," he said. "They're always a tough team to beat.
"In any sporting event, Australia versus New Zealand is always an exciting contest and tonight was no different.
"But that amazing team, including support staff, I couldn't have asked for anything more.
"The support I've received since coming back into the team, the way they've stop up and played, they deserve to stand here tonight and hold that trophy up.
"We're really proud, it's a wonderful achievement. It's a great thing just to make a World Cup final, but to be able to win - in your own back yard, in-front of your family and friends - is extremely special and I guarantee we'll celebrate hard tonight.
"It's been an honour and a privilege to represent my country in both Test and one-day cricket and Twenty20 cricket.
"The time is right for me to walk away from one-day cricket, but I'll keep playing Test cricket."
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to watch England seek redemption against the Kiwis and secure your seat now.