There is nothing more exciting than a big forward rising to the occasion on grand final day.
And on Sunday morning, young gun Caiden Phillips wrote himself into Shepparton Swans folklore, producing a best-on-ground performance in its under-16s grand final victory over Echuca.
Taking command at centre-half-forward, the up-and-coming key position prospect took the game by the scruff of the neck, booting three crucial goals to turn the match in the Swans’ favour.
And whether he was flying for grabs, pushing hard up the ground or laying bone-crushing tackles, his exploits would have the large band of Swans’ supporters excited for the future.
“I didn’t really expect it (to get the best-on-ground medal) to be honest — so when it did come through it was a big shock for me when they read my name out,” Phillips said.
“I knew it was going to be tough, we lost to them twice during the season and by a fair bit too, it was going to take our best.
“And we just got the game on our terms, kicked some early goals and rode that wave of confidence.”
Playing all of his junior football at the Swans, Phillips has been central to the club’s flowering junior program.
Having been part of an under-14s flag in 2019, he said it was great to be a back-to-back premiership player, especially after the hard work the squad put in throughout the season.
“It feels great, for me, having played in the under-14s flag back in 2019, I’ve gone back-to-back with the Swans which is really cool,” Phillips said.
“It’s been a tough season full of ups and downs, but as a group we have just worked so hard throughout, so to come away with this reward it makes it all worth it.”
As for what the future holds, Phillips said he was excited to move into the under-18s next year and shoot for a three-peat with his best mates.
“I’m very excited to move forward with these boys into thirds, we are going to have a strong team,” he said.
“I’ve been with these boys for ages, they are best mates, so to win another flag with them it’s great and one we are certainly going to celebrate.”