But he knew how to describe the victory over Leeton-Whitton: “It’s unreal. It’s perfect,” Flanigan said.

The Tigers midfielder was more than a deserving winner. He was a fitting winner.

In a team of Tiger cubs topped up with experience, he has been ‘Mr Reliable’ in recent years – a multiple best-and-fairest – and he delivered on their biggest day.

Flanigan’s ability to get Tigers going forward was complimented with a telling second-quarter goal when down by seven points. 

The unassuming 23-year old said he was just doing his job in the year’s toughest test.

“We had to work hard and to Leeton’s credit they pushed us right to the end. It was a battle,” he said.

He said the key to their year was backing coach Shaun Campbell.

“Everyone’s right behind him and done what he’s asked us to do and believed in everything he’s thrown at us,” Flanigan said.

Flanigan believes the big factor this year was the maturity of their younger players, all of whom have made it a year to remember at Robertson Oval.

“The whole lot of them. It’s hard to pick favourites out of it. We’re all best mates,” he said.