Baker streamed ahead of his nearest competitor in the final rounds of the count and won with 29 votes. 

There were dual runner-ups for the best and fairest award in Edenhope-Apsley stalwart Cameron Domanschenz and Noradjuha-Quantong’s Rohan Adams. 

They both collected 19 votes each. 

Southern Mallee Giant Michael Saunders was two votes off of making it a three-way runner-up trophy. 

Baker was unable to collect his best and fairest award, Tigers senior coach Josh Beddison accepted it on his behalf. 

“It is a fantastic effort by Dylan,” he said. 

“Dylan is a quality footballer and this just goes to show that if he puts his mind to something he can really go in and get it.” 

Beddison said there are several aspects of Baker’s game which impressed him in 2017. 

“Dylan reads the ball really well, the commitments outside of football haven’t let him train and work as hard as he would probably like,” he said. 

“He’s more than capable of stepping up but certainly that class just showed that in the reserves football, reading the ball, bringing his teammates in.

“His leadership qualities are great too.” 

James Staude of Harrow-Balmoral rounds out the top five when he received 15 votes. 

Staude was awarded the reserves leading goalkicker with 76 goals.