Being recognised by your peers as the league’s Most Valuable Player is an incredible achievement. Add to this being voted by your opponents as the league’s Best Captain and the signs are clear that we are in the midst of not only one of the most exciting, but also most respected players of the modern era.

Chris Judd’s achievement last year has only been achieved once prior, by Brisbane’s Michael Voss (2003), and when you look at his record including two Brownlow’s, three Blue’s Best and Fairest, two Eagle’s Best and Fairest and also a premiership captaincy, it is easy to begin the discussion about where he stacks up against the greatest players to have ever played the game.

However what I would like to focus on is not his on-field achievements, but rather try to provide an insight into one of the most meticulous and hard working professionals I have ever had the pleasure of training with who has done everything in his power to make him the superstar he is today.

When Chris entered the AFL system his shoulders were problematic having had both operated on before he was 18 and in what was considered a highly talented draft, some were questioning whether his body would survive the rigours of AFL football over a ten year career.

What they may not have realised, however, is the incredible discipline of the individual they were dealing with. Since I began playing with Chris I have seen first-hand his long hours of rehab, the never ending list of medical specialist appointments and an overall dedication to recovery as thorough as any player I have played with. It is this discipline, rather than luck, which is most likely the reason his shoulders have remained intact, despite the constant physical battering from opponents trying to find any way to throw him off his game.

As well as this, his meticulous approach to diet as well as regular yoga, pilates and other wellbeing sessions are a great example for young players wanting to learn how to properly prepare for a game.

And this is his leadership style. He is a leader of actions.

Of the leaders I have played under, Chris would be most like Kouta. They select their words carefully and when they speak everyone listens. They inspire on the field and never shirk an issue, they lift their teammates and are willing to take it upon themselves to turn the game. And most of all they have integrity and fairness which makes them so highly regarded as a leader throughout the industry.

I have seen Chris tear games apart time and time again, but one which stands out for me from a few years ago was in round six against the Swans.

As we entered the third quarter we were looking down the barrel of a loss in the wet at the SCG. The Swans were in their element as the rain came down and they continued to play their typical tough in close brand of football which has seen them achieve so much success.

Chris had been held to minimal possessions by Kieren Jack during the first two quarters, however unfortunately for the Swans, Jack rolled his ankle. This was a turning point in the game and Chris unleashed from this moment on and the rest is history. He racked up 33 touches for the game, 25 of which were contested and an amazing 15 were clearances with a wet heavy ball. It was one of the greatest individual displays I have witnessed and was enough for us to steal the victory.

It was on this night that he reminded everyone what a tough, inside, relentless leader he was and I think the entire league watched on in awe and respect as this leader pulled his team over the line.