In the space of less than 48 hours Katherine's Damien Williams Jnr set an NTFL record unlike any other.
The lanky 15-year old led the Darwin Buffaloes to a double dose of junior grand final delight and in doing so was recognised for his efforts with two best-on-ground medals.
Williams is the first footballer to collect the best on ground award in the Under-15 grand final and is the first player to win the Russell Jeffery Medal as best afield in the Under-16 decider. And he did so in the space of two days getting the young Buff's up in Thursday night's U15 showdown with Palmerston before adding his Midas touch to the Double Blues triumph win over Southern Districts on Saturday.
And it almost didn't happen with Williams still feeling the after effects of his gallant mid-week performance. "I thought I had done my job for the 15s and spent most my energy winning the grand final," Williams said. "I was tired for the 16s and thought I would only run out half a game."
The ruckman/forward did a lot more than that, partnering up with Jed Anderson, Jacob Doctor and Jacky Markia to hijack Saturday's macth. Spearhead Karim Lippit did the most damage inside 50m with five goals and was brilliantly supported by Joseph Collinson and Taro-Amus Bin Amat with three each.
Most importantly, it was his contribution to claiming the Under-15 decider, which he missed out on last season, that brought most joy to Williams. "I was pretty nervous going into that game because we lost the grand final last year by four points and I didn't have a great day," he said. "This year was my chance to put it right."
It was also just reward for a season of flying form after the aspiring Katherine Kannons star missed out on both Buffs' U15 Best and Fairest Medal and the league's top individual honour, the Leverence Medal which went to Palmerston's Samuel Autio.
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