Now 36, Flett has gone on to compile an illustrious honour roll that includes two Western Border Football League medals, seven club best-and-fairest awards and 11 interleague appearances.

“It’s an honour just to win one best-and-fairest for North Gambier, but to win seven is just ridiculous,” Flett said.

“On an individual level, it’s something I am very proud of and will look back on at the end of my career and appreciate.”

Flett’s rise to stardom in North Gambier colours was seemingly assured from the start as he followed in the footsteps of his father Ian, who played 287 A-Grade ­matches and had a distinguished coaching career at the club.

This family connection drew Flett back to his home club after a two-year stint with SANFL club Glenelg.

“After a few years playing Teal Cup in the under-18 South Australian side, I went and had a crack at Glenelg for the 1997 and 1998 seasons,” Flett said.

“I really enjoyed playing at Glenelg and managed to play two league games there, but it was really hard work and in the end I decided I would enjoy my football more at North.

“After taking a year off to head overseas, I went back to North in 2000 and have played there ever since.”

While Flett’s individual honours were frequent in the years to follow, it wasn’t until the Tigers’ back-to-back premierships in 2012 and 2013 that Flett was able to taste long-awaited team success.

The ruckman admitted he thought at times his ­premiership dream had passed him by.

“I probably did start to think that it wouldn’t happen; I had played in four losing grand finals and we had lost plenty of experience,” he said.

“When you win one at the back end of your career like I did, you certainly appreciate it more and you do think ‘thank God I finally got one’.”

North Gambier will look to continue its unbeaten start to the year when it takes on West Gambier in a grand final rematch this weekend.