Ironside, 17, has made every post a winner this season, playing all 16 games with NAB League club Bendigo Pioneers while coming home to Kyabram at every opportunity to provide a breath of fresh air for a mature group of footballers.
Although iron is the most common element on earth (by mass), Ironside's ability with the football is anything but, dropping jaws on debut aged 16 last season and doing the same with a best-on-ground performance against Shepparton in round two this year.
Now, Ironside will take to Deakin Reserve as part of a champion team seeking legendary status, potentially one of as few as six players who have not yet tasted senior premiership success.
“It's both nerve-wracking and exciting, especially not knowing if I'm in the team, you've really got to work for your spot,” Ironside said.
“The closer it gets, the more nervous I'll get I feel.
“I was lucky enough last year to play a couple of games, so I've been involved with the group for a fair bit now. They really get around me, which is good.”
The malleable midfielder did not shy away from the fact the opportunity he has found himself is daunting, potentially experiencing the height of sporting success as he takes the baby steps of football journey.
His debut last season in a grand final rematch had many in attendance at the Kyabram Recreation Reserve reminiscing about the last time a 16-year-old held his own at the senior level - a champion by the name of Brett Deledio.
“It definitely felt like big shoes to fill, I was very nervous that day,” Ironside said.
“It was a big step up for me, I hadn't played senior football before and it was quite scary. But the boys just helped me out, I knew the basics of the team but they really helped me out on the field with everything.
“I understand it a bit more now and you get to know everyone a bit more, more the individual players and how they like to play the game. You can adjust to their strengths and then back yourself in.”
And since then his game has only progressed; Ironside racked up 14 disposals, four marks, three rebound 50s and two inside 50s per NAB League game this season, while seven goals in seven senior GVL games illustrates his ability to hit the scoreboard.
“I thought it was a pretty good season compared to my bottom-age year,” he said.
“I think the group was a bit tighter, we jelled more as a team and that's probably why we won a couple more games.
“Coming back to play for Ky, there's a lot bigger bodies, but the boys have made me feel really welcome and I love it. Both are quite fast-paced, but definitely the big bodies stand out.
“At the Pios I played a midfield role early, but then they thought they'd chuck me to the wing and the back-flank. At Kyabram I'm rotating between the wing and the back-flank, and I'm loving that. I think trying to get that drive off the half-back-flank really suits my game.”
Ironside said his major motivation was delivering his beloved another premiership, while helping his fired-up mates gain redemption for last season's grand final defeat.
