Although Joel Patfull’s crowning glory on Club Champion night was his maiden Merrett-Murray Medal triumph, he received a second honour that many consider is just as valuable.

It was the Most Courageous Player Award - an achievement that recognises the Lions player who best exudes bravery throughout the season, both out on the footy field and in his week-to-week preparation.

The award is fittingly named after a man who embodied courage from the moment he commenced his career with the Bears in 1989 until the day he retired from the Club in 2004 - Shaun Hart.

And with two-time AFLPA Most Courageous Player Jonathan Brown in the same side, Patfull certainly had some stiff competition.

Upon receiving the honour, Patfull acknowledged Hart’s ability to push through the pain barrier and sacrifice himself for the team.

“Harty is one of the great players at this Club and I’ve always tried to play that same way too,” Patfull said.

While Patfull’s courage is probably regarded as less ‘obvious’ than someone like Brown - whose countless acts of bravery rank him among the competition’s toughest players - it is equally as valuable.

Patfull was one of only five players to feature in all 22 Lions matches in 2012 - meaning his week-to-week preparation was near faultless.

In the defender’s typical laid-back style, he refused to show any signs weakness, even on occasions when he was playing under duress.

His courage sets a fine example for his younger teammates, who have witnessed first-hand the benchmark in bravery.