Ben McIntyre has had a stellar maiden Wimmera Football League season recognised, taking out the league's top honour.
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Minyip-Murtoa's star recruit polled 28 votes to win the Toohey Medal on Monday night.
McIntyre finished 12 votes clear of runner-up Sam Weddell, from the Southern Mallee Giants.
"I'll be honest, I didn't think I was in with a shot. But, it's a bit hard not to think about it after the first 10 rounds," McIntyre said.
"I started to get the shakes up a little bit and got a bit nervous. I'm just rapt honestly."
The onballer had racked up 21 votes by round 10, collecting the maximum three votes in seven games.
"I reckon I was probably a little bit lucky on a couple of them, but in saying that I'm rapt. Hopefully, the umpires must have seen something," McIntyre said.
Edenhope-raised McIntyre moved to Minyip-Murtoa this season - along with brother Tim - to be closer to family.
The change in scenery brought enjoyment back to football, that had waned in recent seasons with Blackburn in Melbourne's Eastern Football League.
"I've loved it every minute of it. (There's) great people at the club and obviously winning has been great, but I've just loved every minute of it," McIntyre said.
McIntyre also announced his decision to return the Burras next season.
Rounding out the top three of the count were Southern Mallee Giants coach Coleman Schache and last season's Toohey Medallist, Ararat's Daniel Mendes. Both collected 15 votes.
Horsham Saints' Ollie Timms was named the best under-21 player and Warrack Eagles' Dan Stewart was named the rising star.
Reserves count
In the reserves count, Horsham Saints' stalwart Gavin Kelm claimed back-to-back best and fairest honours.
Kelm secured three votes in the final game of the season to take home the Hank Neil Medal, beating Stawell's Shane Fields by only two votes.
"I've always been driven as a footballer to do my best and especially be consistent," he said.
The award rounds off a special season for Kelm, having celebrated his 300th game for the Horsham Saints (formerly St Michaels) and his 500th senior career game this year.
Most special of all, however, was the chance to take home a medal to his 'number one fans' waiting at home.
"Probably the most enjoyment I get out of it (football) is having my two daughters Pippa and Maggie watching me play," he said. "Tonight they said 'Dad, are you going to get another medal?'. Having them there is great. They're my number one fans."
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