He starred at junior level — so much so he was deemed the 20th best player his age in Australia when drafted in 2004 — before going on to forge a career in the AFL.

Most players struggle to make their debut at the highest level, let alone finish best on ground in their first game in front of almost 60,000 fans at the MCG.

He went on to play 76 more for Richmond and St Kilda.

But for all that, there was something missing.

Well, until Sunday.

“Winning a flag is something I’ve never been a part of,” Polo, 28, said yesterday.

“There’s no better feeling.

“I haven’t had success anywhere in my career.

“To win a flag with these boys is amazing.”

Polo was Albury’s best in Sunday’s thrilling seven-point grand final victory over Yarrawonga and was only beaten to the Did Simpson Medal by an unprecedented showing from Pigeons’ young gun Connor Hargreaves in defeat.

But the Albury midfielder went home with the medal that counted.

“It’s still so surreal. I’ve never been so proud,” Polo said.

The 2006 NAB Rising Star nominee recently re-signed at Albury Sportsground for another two seasons, but don’t be shocked if there’s a few after that.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m part of an amazing club,” he said.

“I love it.”