Jack Reynolds missed out Marrar’s premiership win last season through injury, but left Robertson Oval with two medals around this neck this time around.
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The 19-year-old was electrifying across half-back on his way to taking home the Nitschke-Schmidt Medal after being judged best on ground in the Bombers’ victory.
Reynolds won Marrar's best and fairest last season but missed the grand final after fracturing his collarbone in their finals run.
However there was no missing out this time.
He was thrilled to be part of a historic win for the club.
“It is awesome,” Reynolds said.
“It hasn’t sunk in to be honest, but it is a different feeling being out there this year.
“Obviously last year it hurt a little bit not being out there so this time it was exciting and a lot of joy.”
Reynolds played a crucial role as Marrar set up a winning advantage in the third quarter.
He took an intercept deep in defence, diffusing a North Wagga attack just as the Saints loomed dangerously.
The passage of play led to a Zach Walgers goal, the second of three in quick succession for the Bombers which effectively sealed the result.
Pleased with his efforts, and admitting it was a special achievement, Reynolds was more thrilled to be part of team’s success.
“The third quarter was awesome and I though the boys were awesome in that third quarter,” he said.
“I was pretty proud of my third quarter, I started to get more of my running game going.
“Once we got it down there the boys were very good.”
However coach Shane Lenon was very impressed with his performance.
"He was sensational, and that's great after what happened to him last year, missing last year, so that was fantastic,” Lenon said. “I thought he was outstanding."
Reynolds moved to Melbourne this season but has been coming back on the train each weekend to be part of a special year for the Bombers.
He did play some football in the Victoria Amateur Football Association and an ugly incident there could have cost him another grand final moment.
The 19-year-old had a seizure on the field and suffered bleeding on the brain after being upended by an opponent.
One doctor told him his season was over, but after seeking a second opinion returned to the field wearing headgear as a precaution.
It’s a move that paid off.
“The injured delayed my season but I didn’t want to miss it so I took as much time as I could,” Reynolds said.
