His cool head and pressure acts on the half-forward flank and through the midfield helped the Saints to their first flag since 1994.

The North Wagga co-captain added the Nitschke-Schmidt Medal to the Player of the Year award he claimed earlier this season.

He was also runner-up to Northern Jets coach Mitch Haddrill in the Gerald Clear Medal.

And while the best on ground nod added to the elation at Robertson Oval on Saturday, just winning the grand final was enough for the 24-year-old.

"It's good, I didn't expect it to get the individual accolade," Winter said.

"It's been a fairytale year."

Winter was part of their heartbreaking loss to Marrar last season and one emotion stood out above all when the final siren sounded and the Saints were 20 points in front.

"It's sheer relief," he said.

"When they kicked that last goal and there had been 23 minutes I didn't know how long was left but thought there couldn't be long.

"It was just sheer relief when that siren went."

Playing alongside brother Jed, who is moving on next year, the pair join their father 'Bunge' as North Wagga premiership players.

His younger brother was the first teammate he wanted to find to celebrate with after the siren.

"It was unreal and I was looking for him as soon as that siren went," Winter said.

"We gave each other a big hug and it was great."

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