'There's no point hanging on too long'

The script could hardly have played out better for Mike Hussey and his Sydney Thunder.

Sure, the retiring legend could have scored the winning runs – that would have been absolutely perfect – but the 40-year-old Australian legend was granted the farewell he wished for, raising the KFC Big Bash League trophy after his final innings on Australian soil.

It was an ending few would have imagined when the Thunder finished second-last in BBL|04 following three seasons as dead last, or when they endured a streak of 19 consecutive losses.

Report, highlights: Thunder lift BBL|05 crown

As little as 10 days ago it seemed a long shot, when the Thunder had dropped four matches in a row and were in danger of missing the BBL|05 finals altogether.

But Hussey remained determined to see his season – and career – out on a high. Ultimately he did so, not only leading the former cellar dwellers to their first finals appearance, but then toppling the highly-fancied Adelaide Strikers and the Melbourne Stars – both away from home – to claim a historic and emotional victory.

"I guess I'm a bit lost for words myself," Hussey said after the Thunder's three-wicket win.

WATCH: Highlights from the BBL|05 Final

"This is what you plan for and this is what you hope to achieve, but when you actually do it it's sort of … it takes a bit of time for it to sink in.

"It's been a long journey, it's taken a long time.

"There's been a bit of heartache along the way, but to actually reach the summit with group of guys has been reward for a lot of hard work."

Hussey's role in bringing the Thunder from the bottom of the ladder to a force to be reckoned with has been well documented.

WATCH: Hussey farwells the SCG in style

Following the Thunder's semi-final win, Usman Khawaja said Hussey was to thank for his continued presence in the lime green, a fact he reiterated following Sunday's final.

"I did think if I wanted to stay at the franchise or go, but Huss came along and I thought we could bring the franchise up, so I'm glad I stayed on," Khawaja said.

For Hussey, the decision to leave the Perth Scorchers and move east for BBL|03 was not an easy one to make.

VID: Hussey's lone hand in Hobart

"I agonised over the decision for a long time but in the end it's been the best decision I've ever made," Hussey said.

"Sometimes the most challenging and hardest decisions turn out to be the best. I've learnt so much about myself as a person, I've learnt so much about what it takes to build a winning team.

"It's just been a great education for me and I'm just really proud of everyone and happy for everyone that's been involved."

WATCH: Hussey's speaks after Thunder claim crown

Of the 177 runs the Thunder chased to defeat the Melbourne Stars, Hussey scored 18, afforded a guard of honour from his opponents as he strode out on to the MCG for the final time, and a standing ovation from the Melbourne crowd amid thunderous applaud when he departed 15 balls later.

"As I was walking out to bat it wasn't something I was expecting, the guard of honour," he said.

"It was a nice touch from the players as I was walking off. I was probably more annoyed at myself, for playing such a silly shot at that stage of the game. I wanted 35 more runs, but I did think to myself, right, I've just got to take a few moments and sink this in.

WATCH: Mr Cricket's timeless classic to open BBL|05

"Because this is an amazing stadium to play at and as a player you feel privileged and honoured to be able to come on and play on this hallowed turf. So I did want to let it just sink in for a minute, but then the stress started again as we tried to get those last thirty-odd runs."

Hussey's farewell was also a family affair, with his brother David captain of the Stars and the final played on their mother's birthday.

WATCH: Inside the Thunder's BBL celebrations with cricket.com.au cameras

The brothers even had the opportunity to go head-to-head during the Thunder's chase, when David brought himself on to bowl one over.

"He actually whispered it to me yesterday that he might do it," he said.

It's a smart tactic really as you don't want to get out to your brother, particularly in your last game. I had a feeling that he might do it."

After tasting championship success for the first time, Hussey could be forgiven for having a few thoughts of going around just one more time in BBL|06.

However, he was quick to put any suggestions of a comeback to rest.

"This was part of the plan – this was all in the plan. I was actually probably going to finish last year," he said.

"But just through succession planning and building the squad a little bit further it was prudent to probably play one more season.

"It's never been about me, it's been about the club, and building the club for sustainable success. There's no point hanging on too long. It's a bout players will come and go from this team forever and a day, but the players and this club has to move forward and keep building."

WATCH: Hussey lifts the BBL|05 trophy for Sydney Thunder