Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield added another medal to his growing premiership bounty after being named the final series player.
As the veteran enjoyed securing his first premiership with the Cats, AFL coaching votes confirmed his September conquest.
Dangerfield finished second in the voting for the Norm Smith Medal in the Grand Finals, finishing behind teammate Isaac Smith, who was also given the man of the match by the coaches.
But Dangerfield’s 27-kill effort earned him 12 coaching votes and 22 total for the Gary Ayres award.
“Patrick’s unwavering determination to win races and his fierce desire to compete were shown in the preliminary finals and on the biggest stage, the finals,” Ayres said.
“Patrick is a deserving winner”.
Before making another bold statement at Geelong’s Crazy Monday celebrations, Dangerfield said winning the premiership was the ultimate reward for all of his seasons of hard work.
“Probably just (the awareness) that the job is done, it’s complete, compared to all the other seasons where it’s close but no cigar,” he told SEN.
“That feeling of absolute satisfaction that whatever we set out to achieve, we were able to achieve. He’s been so close for so many years, to finally triumph, it’s hard to describe.
Already Brownlow medal, Australian multi-award winner and best and most loyal winner, the premiership medal was the only thing missing from Dangerfield’s trophy cabinet.
His performance also redeemed himself for his 2020 Grand Final against Richmond, when he played one of his worst games of the year and finished with just 12 eliminations.
This time around, the 32-year-old not only got all 27 kills, but also nine clearances, seven within 50 and 468 meters gained in an epic performance.
“I would have been totally thrilled to have possession and win, but it’s wonderful to contribute,” he said.
“To be honest, it’s the whole team. This has been the mantra this year for everyone to have their moments while playing.
“It’s just such a complete performance because it’s been like that by so many people too. It has been the hallmark of our game this year and it’s so wonderful to be able to play it in the big moments.