The 2013 joint captain led by one vote after round five, before extending his lead to 14 after round 11.

Eckel received multiple best on ground votes in the closing rounds to eventually come away with a comprehensive 30 vote victory.

He finished with 83, while defender Zac Marrow was runner up on 53.

Ruckman Shane Field finished third with 32 votes, Cam Kimber was fourth on 21 while David Morris and Jackson Dark rounded out the top five with 18 votes each.

Stawell joint caretaker coach for 2013, Jamie Solyom said last week that Eckel was a strong chance to win.

"I thought he stood up when he needed to and to be a captain, the way he captained the side to try and keep the guys together was fantastic," Solyom said.

" He had an outstanding year. Just the way he led and brought a defensive side to his game towards the end of the year."

Solyom also praised the effort of Marrow in his first season out of the under 17 side.

"I thought Zac Marrow had a fantastic year. He took the game on," he said.

Shane Field was named most consistent, Todd Matthews took home the club's leading goal kicker with 37 for the season while most improved went to defender Scott Rathgeber.

Shaun 'Butch' Ellis won the coaches award, while defender Jackson Dark received the best under 21 player award.

Marc Brilliant wound back the clock with a stunning win in the Stawell reserves best and fairest vote count.

Brilliant polled 30 votes to take home the spoils from John Pollock on 21.

Trevor Matthews was in third place with 18 votes, while Trent Norton and Jarrod Illig tied for fourth on 17.

Angus Barham came in fifth with 14 votes.

Brady Cross took home the reserves most consistent award, Brenton Potter was leading goal kicker and Luke Jordan was voted most improved player.

Sam Williams received the coach's award.