Rockinghams Mitchel Curnow became enshrined in the Peel Football and Netball League honour boards when he took out the Ross Elliott Medal as the competitions fairest and best player for 2018 on Monday night.
The gun midfielders stellar season was brought into the spotlight when he topped the vote count ahead of Centrals Lee Murray, as he became the second Ram in just three seasons to win the award following Rocky Collins victory in 2016.
But the 21-year-olds journey to the leagues most treasured individual prize has been far from smooth sailing.
Less than two years ago Curnow battled a string of injuries in an up-and-down stint with Peel Thunders colts and reserves outfits.
They hindered his time on the field and ultimately led to the young star contemplating stepping away from the game all together.
Things werent looking too good I found myself just not enjoying footy and really I think Id just lost my passion for the game, he said.
I was going to hang up the boots.
But that all changed when he found himself back in a Rams jumper.
Returning to the club where he had the chance to play with close mates once again rekindled Curnows love for footy.
Spearheaded by coach Scott Franklin and captain Steve Kenny, the youthful Rams outfit looking to climb the ladder was the perfect fit for the newly-crowned Ross Elliott medalist.
This team has been everything to me, Curnow said.
Theyve helped me find that passion again and thats something I cant thank them enough for.
What Scotts done with the group has been outstanding and everyone in the side is good mates really Im just proud to be a part of that movement and that success.
Curnow and his Rams will be looking to add to their already stellar 2018 season when they take to the field against Pinjarra in the preliminary final on Saturday.
The game presents Rockingham with a chance to move on to the grand final, an outcome that would mean plenty to Curnow and his teammates.
I love this group, and to play in a grand final with them, that would just be massive, he said.
Obviously Pinjarra have been the competitions benchmark for some time so we know it wont come easy, but were building something here and were playing some good footy.
Im confident we can get the job done against anyone.
The preliminary final clash kicks off at Waroonas Parnell Street Oval this Saturday, 3pm.