Echuca under-18 premiership captain Noah Langborne capped a memorable 2023 season on Sunday.
The 18-year-old rising star helped steer his Murray Bombers outfit to a dominant 14.11 (95) to 7.8 (50) triumph over Shepparton Swans at Deakin Reserve.
Langborne’s year consisted of a senior debut, an interleague appearance and 11 senior games as he emerged to be one of Goulburn Valley League’s most promising teenagers.
His hand in Echuca’s thirds triumph, the club’s fourth straight, was as prolific as anyone to be awarded the Freddo McMahon Medal.
The midfielder stood out with his pressure around the stoppage, his work-rate to cover the ground and his kicking to find teammates inside 50.
Langborne revealed he would sleep a little easier tonight after he claimed his consecutive under-18 premiership medal.
“A lot of relief, there were a lot of sleepless nights to be honest,” Langborne said.
“We couldn’t have done it with a better group of blokes and I feel bad for the boys who missed out today ― it takes a full squad over the year.
“It’s been a four-year journey, a lot of us have been together for the last four years.
“(Coach Jayden Howe) has been awesome, he’s been a close friend of mine and coach for a long time. Our number one goal we knew from the start was winning that flag. Every training Tuesday and Thursday and Saturday, it was all for this day.”
Langborne credited his side’s absorbing pressure and run for getting over the line against the Swans.
“One thing we have is our energy. We never drop off and we’re constantly going at 100 per cent,” he said.
“I think that’s what gets us over the line at times, half-time when it’s been a real hard game, we still come out like it’s the first quarter and that puts sides to bed.
“It’s very humbling (to be captain). I’ve tried my best to lead the boys, but it’s not just me, it’s a whole team effort ― there’s 22 leaders out there.
“We all get around each other and nobody is higher than anyone else.”