Clarke edged out ruckman Marcus Powling by a vote in the final round.

The win came after a delayed start to the season because his father Ivan, the club’s long-time barman, suffered a heart attack and later died.

“I’m more sad than anything,” Clarke said.

“I finally win one but he’s not here to see it.”

Clarke said his father had driven him everywhere as a junior for training and games, something he would forever be grateful for.

The 24-year-old’s win in the award came after an impressive second half of the season, when he lifted the Magpies to some critical victories that earned them a finals berth.

While his strong form caught the eye of club judges, umpires failed to notice his impact on games, overlooking him for a vote in the league’s best and fairest award, the Maskell Medal.

Clarke, who brought up his 100th senior game milestone in 2013, was second in the Magpies’ best and fairest in 2012 and 2009. His victory sits alongside club under 16 and under 18 best and fairests in 2006 and 2007.

Clarke revealed his pre-season had already started. He is maintaining his fitness with regular workouts.

Terang Mortlake key forward/ruckman Stephen Staunton won the Bloods best and fairest on Sunday  from midfielders Wil Pomorin and Damian O’Connor, who tied for second.

Ruckman Jordan Dillon will be crowned North Warrnambool Eagles’ best and fairest player tomorrow night after edging out centreman Matthew Wines.