When Joel Patfull claimed his second consecutive Merrett-Murray Medal in 2014, he joined elite company in becoming just the fifth person post-merger to win the Club’s highest individual honour.

Only Michael Voss, Simon Black, Jonathan Brown and Jason Akermanis had achieved this feat before him.

But despite this rare achievement, Patfull’s public profile remains relatively understated.

Maybe it’s because he doesn’t rack up a huge number of disposals or kick match-winning bags of goals.

Whatever the reason, the quietly spoken defender couldn’t care less, because it’s the respect and admiration he’s earned within the walls of the Gabba that he values most.

On reflection, Patfull says that moving away from his home state of South Australia and into Brisbane’s more relaxed environment has been the best thing for his football career.

“I don’t think I would have ever played AFL footy if I stayed in Adelaide. It didn’t suit me,” Patfull told The Courier Mail.

“I learned the hard way what it took to play AFL footy. Unlike some blokes, it took me a while to figure out what was required.

“I still pride myself on working hard in the pre-season, to do everything I possibly can to get myself ready.

“Leigh (Mathews) showed a lot of faith in me early. He didn’t know me or my history but he gave me a shot and kept playing me.”

The individual accolades are something that Patfull will likely enjoy more once the time comes for him to hang up the boots.

But for now, the former Port Adelaide rookie maintains the same approach he’s always had to his football since resurrecting his career at the Lions.

“I don’t think (the awards) will really sink in until I’ve finished playing footy but it’s something I’m certainly very honoured by being on that list,” Patfull said.

“I don’t really feel under any extra pressure to perform as a result.

“I go into every season with the same approach which is having a big pre-season, always trying to improve and always enjoying my footy.

“If you do that, you put yourself in a position to have a good year.

“It’s always a week-to-week challenge for me with regards to match-ups but it is something I’ve learned to embrace.”