The young talent moulded himself into a midfield soldier at the Bombers and ensured his place in the best 21 was secured.
But when Shepparton then pulled off the heist of the century in last year's decider, Whitford had to go to the well once more.
This time he morphed into a player whose name is one of the first picked on the Kyabram team sheet, and is likely to finish as high as anyone with Mick Mattingly for a teammate can in his side's best-and-fairest count.
It was finally enough for Whitford to claim his first senior premiership medal for the Bombers yesterday, helping his teammates defeat Echuca in true Brad Whitford fashion.
His courage and team-first intentions were highlighted early in the clash when a high ball came out to the grandstand wing.
Whitford was no chance of taking a mark, but found a way to affect a spoil running back with the flight towards a charging Cam Valentine to scupper an Echuca attack and send his own side forward.
It is why he is one of outgoing coach Paul Newman's most beloved warriors.
“It's unreal, it is pretty good,” Whitford said while enjoying a moment of quiet reflection away from the rolling maul of red and black celebrations.
“Losing last year and missing out the year before as well (hurt), but I'm pretty happy about (this one), it's an unreal feeling.
“I love the bloke (Newman), everyone loves the bloke and respects him, so it's unreal to get over the line today and do it for him.
“We all stuck around after we lost and it's a tight group, all of the boys love each other and get around each other, which is great.”
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