GSFL 2024: Royals’ Mitch Paine joins illustrious group of footy talent with second Panizza Brothers Medal

Royals rising star Mitch Paine joins elite company by becoming just the third player in Great Southern Football League history to be a dual Panizza Brothers Medal winner.

Paine was instrumental for his side and booted a crucial goal in their spectacular come-from-behind grand final victory over arch rivals Albany at Retravision Stadium.

The 18-year-old played eight games in the Lions’ league side before returning to the colts in round 13 for the remainder of the year.

He joins Doug Roberts (1998 and 1999) and Marley Williams (2009 and 2010) as the only players to win two Panizza Brothers Medals, the latter going on to play for Collingwood and North Melbourne in the AFL.

The illustrious group of worthy winners boasts other AFL talent with Collingwood ruck and 2024 All-Australian squad member Darcy Cameron and former No.1 draft pick Michael Gardiner.

The 2024 premiership is the Lions’ sixth consecutive title and their eighth in nine years and it also marks Paine’s final game for the colts, as he moves up to seniors next season.

“It feels pretty good, I reckon me and the boys played pretty well in that last quarter to put us over the line,” Paine said.

“It was a little bit nerve-racking out there but I reckon all the boys got together and we pulled it off.

“It feels pretty good just reading all the names on the shield, like Marley Williams, so it’s surreal.

“Royals is a pretty good club and it felt really good winning, winning the sixth in a row.

“To be honest, I’m not really 100 per cent sure if I’m going up to Claremont or not but I’ll just see how it goes.”