When Brendan Fevola was awarded a free kick in the last quarter and kicked a goal to bring Bacchus Marsh within two points, the roar at Maddingley Park would not have been out of place at an AFL match.

Not just from the mob of spectators that had followed Fev from end to end, but from the crowd that lined the entire fence.

The roar was not just because a former AFL superstar was strutting his stuff among mere 'mortals', but because his presence almost single-handedly lifted the Cobras to one of their most memorable ever wins.

Unfortunately, there was no fairytale for the Marsh, with Sunbury kicking away in the dying stages.

However, the reaction from the crowd after the game showed just how big this day was for not just the club, but the entire town.

It mattered little that Bacchus Marsh lost, although a win would have sent Maddingley Park into an unprecedented frenzy.

As soon as the final siren went, a number of Sunbury players rushed over to Fevola to have their photo taken with him.

Opponents taking photos with their opposition seconds after the final siren - unheard of.

Crowds swarmed to Fev like he was a rockstar.

Photos with young children, autographs for grandparents, here was the man who had captured the imagination of a town.

That's what country football does; it gives people the opportunity and chance to get up close and personal with sporting heroes who had previously been inaccessible.

The sentiment was not lost on the man himself either.

"It's good to play in front of people but the best thing about it is seeing all the kids here," Fevola said after the match.

"The kids go from goal to goal and if you kick a few goals it's obviously good.

"It's great to see so many fans at country footy, it's what it's all about isn't

it, getting fans back to watch footy."

Regardless of the result, the overwhelming consensus is that the Fevola experiment paid off, and then some. Just imagine if he was running around permanently in the red, yellow and black next year.

patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au