The ever-reliable spinner notched his 300th club appearance in December and has now capped it by being a member of the A-grade team that ended Mooroopna's 17-year Haisman Shield drought.
“It was unbelievable, my heart was pumping out of my chest in those last five overs,” a relieved D'Elia said post game.
“We have been waiting 17 years for this, to win it is just unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable.
“I've played 10 years of A-grade cricket and to have this thing (medal) around my neck is pretty surreal.
“I've been waiting, the whole club has been waiting, so long to win one. I think it will be a big night with the boys and hopefully next morning I wake up and it (medal) will still be there.”
D'Elia, one of the main staples in Mooroopna's side this season, was at his best when called upon by skipper Sam O'Brien.
With Waaia's Luke Quinn and Seb Moore building a handy partnership, the left-arm spinner stood up when his side needed a breakthrough.
A bit of brilliance had D'Elia knock over Quinn's castle for 43 runs, which pulled momentum back in favour of the Cats.
He would go on to claim the late wicket of Aaron Shelton to finish with figures of 2-10 from seven overs.
But his work was not finished there.
D'Elia was again needed with his side on the verge of collapse at 6-65.
He strung out a vital 21 runs with Luke Zanchetta to get his side within striking distance.
“Surprisingly I felt quite comfortable out there,” D'Elia said.
“I had plenty of nerves before I walked out, but once I was out there the nerves seemed to pass.
“Missed a full toss which was pretty disappointing and I was kicking myself for going out. But we were able to grab the win, so all that doesn't matter now.”
With a host of lower grade titles to his name, D'Elia was delighted to have finally ticked off the elusive Haisman Shield box.
“I've been pretty lucky since arriving in Mooroopna, I've won a few lower grade premierships, but this one is the big one,” he said.
“Everyone wants to win a Haisman Shield. It's the pinnacle of cricket up here in the region. It's an unreal feeling."
More local sport
Shepparton premiership player re-signs with Adelaide
AFLGM confirms new football rules for 2021 season
Youth Academy | Sophia Varley
20°C