One was a kangaroo that had obviously lost its way. The other was the legendary and elusive former Sydney Swans forward Tony Lockett holding it by the tail.

Lockett, the greatest goalkicker in AFL history, has shunned publicity since retiring in 2002, prefering life on the land and an interest in greyhound racing.

But when a 'roo was spotted hopping along Corbett Plaza on Bong Bong Street, Lockett came to the rescue, helping catch the animal and keeping it calm until vets arrived.

The photographer, Resham Arthur, confirmed the 'roo wrangler was Lockett, who resides nearby and is occassionally spotted in town.

Wingecarribee Shire Council spokesperson Birgitta Elferink said the area had an abundance of wildlife but rarely did kangaroos venture so far into town. It had been a popular photo on the council's Facebook page. The kangaroo was treated and due to be released on Friday.

There was no such luck at the SCG in round 18 of the 1993 season. On that day a pig was let loose on the ground with "Plugger" (a mispelling of Lockett's nickname Plugga) painted on one side and the No.4 - his St Kilda jersey number - plastered on the other.

The pig proved elusive to catch with players and stewards made to look foolish in their attempt to snare the animal. Eventually, Swans defender Darren Holmes pulled off the pig-saving tackle, but Lockett, who was injured on the day, was far from impressed.

"I was livid when I saw that [pig]," he later wrote in his autobiography, "and I vowed to make the Swans pay."

And pay they did. Lockett kicked 11 goals against the Swans the next time the two teams met.

Lockett is a member of both the St Kilda and Swans team of the century and the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He kicked over 100 goals in a season six times.

smh.com.au