The TAC Cup-listed teenager collected the Ballarat school’s senior best and fairest on Monday night after impressing in his first season.

Carlin, 17, joined the school – known for its ability to breed AFL footballers – this year as a year 11 student.

The promising utility said it was a privilege to win its top honour.

“The coach is great – Howard Clark has been the senior coach there for ages,” Carlin said.

“He was unreal for me and it was really enjoyable.

“He taught me to really believe in myself and always try my hardest and never give up."

Carlin said his development, coupled with his best and fairest win, justified his decision to move to Ballarat to better his football.

“It was a hard decision, leaving home and everything I knew,” he said.

“But there’s more access to footy training so I thought it would be good to come up here.

“It’s a pretty good standard and there’s a few other Rebels boys in the team.”

Carlin combined school football with his commitments with Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

The former Vic Country under 16 representative played 17 games in his TAC Cup debut season, missing just one match due to a school trip to Darwin.

“I tried to stay consistent,” he said.

“I am hoping to (make next year’s team).

“We start pre-season in a couple of weeks.”