Asked for references during an interview. I was the last candidate interviewed. Thoughts?

I recently interviewed for a position with a federal agency (I'd rather not disclose which one) and I thought it went excellent. Towards the end of the interview, the director and supervisor who interviewed me asked me to send them a list of references after the interview finishes, and they wanted my list of references before the end of the day, which I gladly did.

This is the first time in my professional career that during an interview, the hiring panel asks me for references. They mentioned that I was the last candidate to be interviewed for the position. Throughout the entire interview, both of the panelists, especially the director, seemed very engaged with me with my responses.

Thoughts? Especially from hiring managers, have you ever asked a candidate for references during an interviewed and not offered that candidate the position?

Very excited about the prospects of this position. Would be a life changer, and the job I've been looking to step into for a few years now.

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