Delahunty bagged 17 goals for the season to share the honour with club champion Abraham Ankers.

The 26-year-old said he was pleased to secure the award, but there were more majors that went begging.

"I still kicked a few that didn't go through the big sticks, so I was probably lucky to get away with that it in the end, but it was a nice award," he said.

Delahunty only missed two games in his first season in the North East Australia Football League and was thrust into unfamiliar territory around the park.

"It definitely took me a few games to adjust, and for me personally I hadn't spent that much time in defence before," he said.

"I was a bit of a swingman and spent half the year down back and half the year up forward.

"It was a great learning experience, and I really enjoyed the time and met some great people."

The Thunder finished the season at the bottom of the table, with only two wins to its name.

Delahunty said the results often weren't a reflection of the side's performances.

"I think it was a bit of a developing year for the Thunder. Even though we only got the couple wins for the year I think we were in a lot of games up until three-quarter time and then we sort of fade away," he said.

"It was a lot more competitive than what the scoreboard reflected, they gave some games to some youth, and there are four blokes that were invited to the state combine, so that's a good opportunity for those young fellas."

Delahunty was a mainstay in Minyip-Murtoa's lineup before deciding to challenge himself out of the state earlier this year.

The 2014 Toohey Medallist said he still kept a close eye on the Burras, with cousin John Delahunty at the helm.

"I speak to Johnny each week and get the update on how it's all going down there. It's sort of blown a few other peoples' expectations with how well they've gone," he said.

Delahunty said he wasn't looking too far ahead with his football.

"I'm looking forward to having a couple of months off and giving my body a rest. I'm not sure how these blokes continue to play footy 12 months of the year," he said.

"After Christmas, I'll get back into things and have run around in the NTFL again."

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