Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett struggled to find his words after claiming a record-equalling seventh Crichton Medal at the Bombers' best and fairest event.
Merrett's achievement has him placed alongside club legends and football icons Bill Hutchison and Dick Reynolds as worthy seven-time winners.
The classy left-footer has done most of his damage in the red and black since 2016, winning his first award. He's won five of the past six seasons.
"It's really hard to put into words, to be honest," Merrett said to club media.
"I don't think embarrassed is the word, because a lot of hard work goes into it behind the scenes, but probably uncomfortable to have Bill Hutchison's son in the room and Dick Reynolds' daughter; it's pretty surreal and special; those two guys I tried to emulate have inspired me for my whole 13 years at the footy club.
"It's hard to believe it. From a fresh-faced 18-year-old 13 years ago to fast-forward to now, I'm just extremely grateful I got an opportunity at Essendon.
"It's going to take a while to sink in."
Merrett narrowly pipped emerging midfielder Sam Durham, while Archie Roberts, Nate Caddy and Peter Wright filled out the top five.
The 30-year-old has always been an Essendon person.
Merrett shared an emotional story of his desire to don the red and black in the lead-up to his 2013 drafting, and even got his father to buy Crichton Medals to help him dream.
"I was reflecting on the way (to the event) in case this happened, and I still remember going to Windy Hill for my first draft interview when I was 17 with Adrian Dodoro, Rob Forster-Knight and the team," Merrett said.
"Dad took me out of school to do the interview at Windy Hill, because they hadn't moved to the Hangar yet. I convinced Dad to buy replica medals of Crichton, premiership and Norm Smith, and it had the history on the board, which I still have to this day.
"But I remember looking at the Crichton and dreaming big, and thought winning one would be such an incredible experience. To have won seven, it is really hard to put into words. It gives you butterflies about the journey so far."
Merrett is tipped to depart the Bombers after 13 years of service, with Hawthorn looming as his next destination.
It's understood Essendon has denied the Hawks' first advances, with The Age indicating Picks 15, 25 and a future second or third round wasn't enough to get a deal done.
