It's the apology 34 years in the making.
Former Collingwood and Eastlake player Phil Carman has finally shaken hands with umpire Andrew Toy after the menacing star struck the then 18-year-old during an ACTAFL match in 1983.
![Phil Carman flies for a mark while playing for Collingwood in 1977.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170722192443im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/o/b/s/w/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gx9rki.png/1500613704947.jpg)
Carman was a repeat offender at the tribunal during his 100-game VFL career and Matt Watson's book Fabulous Phil - The Phil Carman Story is a tell-all that sheds light on a range of his on-field incidents.
Carman was dubbed "Fabulous" for his flamboyant playing style and fiery temper on the field.
He copped a 10-week ban for striking Toy in the final round 1983 ACTAFL game between Eastlake and Belconnen, which also rubbed him out of the grand final against Ainslie.
Toy had only been umpiring for two years and remembered the incident clearly - he ran to break up an altercation between a number of players, but was struck in the stomach by Carman on the way in.
It wasn't the first time Carman's fiery temper caused him to miss a grand final.
He also missed the 1977 VFL grand final due to striking Hawthorn great Michael Tuck in the second semi-final, which led to a two-game suspension.
![Phil Carman meets former boundary umpire Andrew Toy, who he struck in ACTAFL in 1983.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170722192443im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/e/d/q/a/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gx9rki.png/1500613704947.jpg)
Carman also had a track record with boundary umpires.
During his time with Essendon, he was suspended for 20 games for headbutting Graham Carbery in 1980.
Carman was known for his unforgiving nature on the field and Toy says he's lucky he wasn't running around today.
"If this happened now I would think the penalty would probably be far more severe than what it was back then," Toy said.
Toy continued umpiring for another 25 years and the 52-year-old was still heavily involved in Canberra footy - now as the runner for Ainslie.
After being interviewed for Carman's book, he was invited to the book launch to finally shake hands and forgive the controversial former player.
"I would absolutely say there was no malice or anything towards Phil Carman, we have met only three weeks ago and there is no malice from his side and none from mine at all," Toy said.