Flying into Melbourne on Saturday morning under the shroud of secrecy, as is always his way, Tony Lockett was characteristically primed for a low-key affair for St Kilda's 150th Anniversary Game.

No one knew until the night before the match that the game's leading goalkicker was even a possibility to come to the milestone occasion, but sure enough, the club legend delivered. He had covertly slipped into the rooms pre-game to meet the Saints before quickly ducking up to the Hall of Fame function for a few hellos, and only a few minutes before the bounce was on track to retreat into the background. 

But it was his act of selflessness with fellow St Kilda Legend Neil Roberts in the moments before the bounce that had the famously reserved Saint take centre stage.

The 89-year-old Roberts was resigned to the fact that he may be unable to make it down from the Hall of Fame function and onto the MCG's hallowed turf for the reunion of St Kilda's past legends.

"I'm not getting down to the green stuff," he said as he overlooked the ground alongside the famed Carl Ditterich. 

Plugger wasn't having any of it. 

"Yes, you are."

Without a second thought or time for protest, Lockett wrapped his arms around the 1958 Brownlow medallist and walked with him every step of the way – from the Olympic Room, through the bowels of the MCG and up the race – onto the ground for the pair to take part in the pre-game ceremony.

A quick photograph from Michael Willson was the only evidence the poignant moment ever happened. In true Lockett fashion, it went by with minimal fanfare on the night.

In contrast, the reception when Lockett's name was called out during the ceremony was greeted with one of the loudest cheers of the night.

It would have been twice as loud had those near-70,0000 in attendance were aware of his selfless act for his fellow Saint.