Zanchetta, who joined before the start of Mooroopna's now memorable campaign, was awarded the Greg Luscombe medal for his sublime performance in Saturday's grand final.
The opening-pace bowler starred with 2-17 from seven overs and contributed an important 15-run knock which got his side within striking distance of Waaia's total.
Speaking after the dramatic one-wicket win, surrounded by ecstatic supporters on the Deakin Reserve oval, Zanchetta said the win was a gift to the Cats’ faithful.
“I couldn't be happier for the club, 17 years is a long wait in between drinks,” he said.
“You look at all the people who have come down to support the club, it means so much to them and they are just as happy as the blokes who played.
“I know what it feels like to end a drought, all the people that give 20, 10 and five hours a week to the club . . . it might sound like a cliché, but I think we've made a lot more people happy than just the playing group.
“That's what a community club is all about and I'm very lucky to have chosen this club.
“It's just an awesome feeling.”
Zanchetta was instrumental early in the decider with his explosive deliveries.
The experienced campaigner took full advantage of the lively pitch, with one of his bouncers catching the edge of Jordan Cleeland and ending up in the hands of the gully fieldsman.
“Yeah, it was definitely the plan (to bowl first) after the rain we had earlier in the week,” he said.
“We knew for the first 10 overs that if we got the ball in the right areas then the pitch would help us.
“And it did, a couple popped up and we managed to take the catches.
“Waaia have been a really good bowling side all year, they've defended 100 before and we knew it wasn't going to be easy.
“But the wicket flattened out by the time when Simon (D'Elia) and I met at the crease.”
Zanchetta revealed what was said between the pair out in the middle as they looked to chase down the 42 runs needed to clinch victory.
“We just looked at it in blocks of 10 runs,” he said.
“We were 60 odd when we came together at the crease and we just kept saying ‘let's get to 70, then let's get to 80'.
“It slowly dwindles down and we both went out, which wasn't ideal, but the boys at the bottom were incredible.”
In a sign of his commitment and dedication to Mooroopna, the assistant coach disclosed that he would be back again next season, this time as head coach.
“I can't wait to be back. I love the place,” Zanchetta said.
“I couldn't have asked for a better club, obviously I have my home club in Darwin, but this place is very close to me.
“Not just winning a grand final, but the comradery of the boys, the comradery of the club, it's just a very special place to be.”
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