Brilliant played his first senior game at the age of 16 under coach John Kennedy senior, and the Hawthorn Football Club legend was in attendance for the special occasion.

The colourful career of Brilliant started in 1966 and continued until 1996 with both Stawell Football Club and the Warriors Football Club.

Having played more than 220 games at each club and eight representative games, Brilliant’s legendary status was well deserved.

Brilliant played his football in the middle of the ground where he earned best and fairest honours in the years 1966, 1972, 1980, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996.

His best and fairest trophies were varied, from age group leagues to reserves and seniors.

Brilliant was made a life member of the Stawell Football Club in 1976 and a life member of the Warriors in 1992.

Brilliant has continued to help the Stawell Warriors from a coaching perspective and coached the under 17s to a runners-up finish last season.

Brilliant had his wife Joan and son Marc in attendance to help celebrate.

Brilliant is one of two Stawell players to be afforded legend status and recieved the honour during the annual president’s lunch last Saturday.

Win TV’s Wes Cusworth was the master of ceremonies for the event.

Guest speaker John Kennedy snr spoke of his career as a former coach, player and best and fairest winner at the Hawthorn Football Club and later as coach of the North Melbourne Football Club.

Kennedy led Hawthorn to their first premiership in 1961.  In 1963, he stepped down as coach, but Hawthorn's poor on-field performance over the next few years saw him recalled to the role in 1967.

He coached Hawthorn to subsequent premierships in 1971 and 1976. Kennedy coached the Stawell Football Club in 1965 and 1966.

Stawell also hosted its Black Tie Ball last Saturday.