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Kristan Height signed with Sandhurst late last year with one thing in mind – premiership.
The 33-year-old had individually achieved more than most in a decorated playing career that included a stint on Hawthron’s rookie list, captain of the Box Hills Hawks in the VFL and league best and fairest medals in the Ovens and Murray FL and the Goulburn Valley FL.
What he craved most was a premiership medal.
Height played in a senior premiership with his home club Echuca as an 18-year-old.
He thought there’d be plenty more to come. Seven preliminary final defeats later the star midfielder joined the Dragons.
Height didn’t disappoint. Individually, he produced one of the greatest seasons in BFNL history.
Last Sunday he won the Michelsen Medal and became the first player in country footy history to win the league best and fairest in three major leagues.
On Saturday, Height was at his brilliant best again. He racked up possessions in the midfield, kicked two clutch goals and was awarded the Nalder Medal for best on ground.
For all that individual glory, it was the medal with the BFNL logo on the front that Height was cherishing in the Sandhurst rooms after the game.
“It’s been a long time since I played in a grand final and as an 18-year-old I didn’t appreciate the premiership win with Echuca as much as I should of,’’ an elated Height said.
“It’s a pretty special moment. The premiership medal is the important one. I couldn’t be happier. This is a great club, great people and a great culture.”
Sandhurst coach Wayne Primmer lauded Height for his part in the premiership success.
“Kristan has had a magnificent year. What he’s done speaks for itself,’’ Primmer said.
“He is exactly what the club needed. The club needed someone with experience. The players have been able to learn so much from him in the way he trains and the way he plays.
“I’ve said it before that he’s like an on-field coach… he directs the players and is a great leader.”
Primmer said Height was instrumental in the Dragons’ third quarter surge that broke Golden Square’s resistance in the grand final.
“We probably needed a lift from our leaders and he (Height) really upped the ante in the third quarter.”