Turland, 24, credited more time in midfield under second-year Warrnambool mentor Matt O'Brien as key to his career-best form.

Tears flowed as the lifelong Blue edged out North Warrnambool Eagles' Sam McLachlan (20) to claim the league's most prestigious individual honour.

South Warrnambool midfielder Liam Youl was third with 18 votes.

Turland, who made his senior debut at 16, said O'Brien's confidence had fast-tracked his rise through the ranks.

"Matt has the confidence in me to that number one or a main midfielder to get us going and moving forward," he said.

"For him to have the confidence in me, being a smaller, disadvantaged player gives me great confidence.

"Matt has made a big impact in me stepping up to the next level over the last year or two."

Turland became the first Warrnambool player to clinch the Maskell Medal in seven years with the triumph.

While spending more time in the middle, Turland hasn't lost his goalkicking edge. He booted 28 goals to heavily impact the scoreboard.

The concreter said the Blues meant "everything".

Turland grew up "across the road" from Warrnambool's Reid Oval base and spent his childhood around the club.

"It's pretty much my whole life. I don't really know anything else," he said.

"I'd go over there five times a week I reckon. Training on Tuesday and Thursday, Auskick on Friday, footy on Saturday and the juniors on Sunday.

"You don't get too much of break between that and your personal life. That's what has benefitted me so much.

He was delighted and overwhelmed to take out the prize.

"For someone of my size, all I thought I'd be is that small forward pinch-hitting in the midfield," Turland said.

"I never thought anything like this would ever happen.

"I was just happy to play my role within the team and kick goals and help out however I could."

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