Jack Oatey medallist Brett Zorzi says the sacrifice has been worth it to win a second premiership with Norwood
HIS old legs were cramping and the heat was getting to him but Brett Zorzi had one final gutsy performance left in him to win the Jack Oatey Medal.
HIS old legs were cramping and the heat was getting to him but Brett Zorzi had one final gutsy performance left in him to win the Jack Oatey Medal alongside his second premiership with Norwood.
The 34-year-old confirmed the grand final win over North Adelaide would be his last outing at SANFL level after 164 games for the Redlegs since 2005.
He had 20 disposals, six clearances and kicked a goal as the Redlegs clinched back-to-back flags.
Have your say and comment in the box below
"I was supposed to retire a couple of years ago, then was supposed to retire last year," he said. "I'm 34 and I think I'm the oldest in the comp and what better way to go out.
"I came in 2005 and 2004 we finished bottom, the club was in a bit of turmoil, and we've been building each year and since Freddy (Nathan Bassett) has come on board we've accelerated.
"I knew the wheel would turn and it makes it even more special to go through those hard years and this is the cherry on top."
Zorzi has had to combine work as a Reception/Grade 1 teacher at Modbury South Primary School with a young family and football commitments this year, but said a second flag made it all worthwhile.
GALLERY: BEST PICTURES FROM THE GRAND FINAL
"This year has been the hardest. Juggling football and family with two young kids and school work it gets a bit difficult but Freddy has been really good and given me extra time off," Zorzi said.
"The body is feeling not too bad other than the knee which I hurt during the year, I've been a bit smarter this year with how to train and what to do."
Zorzi was one of a handful of players who had to step up in Norwood's midfield after Mat Suckling was tagged out of the game by North Adelaide's Brian Fenton.
GALLERY: FANS VISIT AAMI ONCE LAST TIME
Crows-listed Mitch Grigg had a game-high 24 disposals, five clearances and kicked two goals - both of which came in the last quarter including a stunning 50m bomb on the run.
While young gun Trent Dumont and Magarey Medallist Matt Thomas also played their part in the win.