Two premierships and a league best and fairest award is a great return for any player’s career.

Nik Rokahr, the latest addition to Geelong’s VFL squad, achieved all that in the space of 6 months.

Rokahr’s 2018 started with a maiden NTFL flag with Southern Districts and ended with a drought breaking premiership campaign with his hometown club Shepparton.

On top of achieving this incredible double feat, the midfielder claimed the Goulburn Valley Football League’s top individual honour, the Morrison Medal.

“It was definitely the best year of footy I’ve had,” Rokahr said.

“I’m working into that age group where you are hitting your prime and (I’d be lying if I said) I’ve had a better year than the one I’ve just had.”

The VFL call-up was a reward for his hard work, but the decision to leave his beloved Shepparton Bears was a tough one for Rokahr.

Having finished on the bottom of the ladder in his first senior season (2013), the journey which culminated in the club’s first GVFL flag since 2000 was an incredible one.

“It was unbelievable, especially considering where we had come from as a club,” Rokahr said.

“As a 17-year-old playing and getting beaten by 100+ points each week to then gradually building and finally getting the ultimate success.

“It was just great and doing it with the kids I grew up with made it so much more special.”

But to grow as a footballer, playing at the highest possible level was the most logical step after achieving the ultimate success with Shepparton.

“It was (a tough decision) to leave a lot of my mates and move completely, but winning that premiership made it a little easier,” he said.

“If we had of just missed out again, it would have been a hell of a lot harder, but it is the right move to do if you want to better your footy and it’s paying dividends already.”

The move to Geelong was made easier by the fact that Rokahr’s Shepparton teammate Luke Smith was also offered a VFL contract by the Cats.

“It is a little bit more of a smooth transition coming across with someone and being able to live with someone you know,” Rokahr said.

Moving to a new club is always a challenge but the professional environment of Geelong’s VFL program has been rewarding for Rokahr.

“Training has been a little bit harder than what I’m used to, obviously at VFL level it’s a step up again but at the same time I’m enjoying it a lot so I can’t complain.

“The coaching has been really good and I’m learning so much,” he said.

The 23-year-old has also had the opportunity to train with the Cats’ AFL side, an invaluable experience for a young player.

“I have done four sessions with the AFL boys, they are a lot longer sessions but the fundamentals are all there and I’m really enjoying it,” he said.

“You learn and get better when you are around good players and watching how they go about their footy.”

The VFL Cats will kick off their practice match campaign against Essendon on Thursday March 7.