The Baggie blitzed the vote count, registering votes in 12 of 16 games during the 2017 season tallying 31 overall votes. 

It came after a more than successful season for the Stawell based club who reformed after a slow 2016 season to play in the semi-final in 2017. 

They lost out to Jeparit-Rainbow. 

Runner-up best and fairest was Laharum playing-coach Todd Heynen who poled 17 votes. 

Heynen’s teammate Robbie Miller grabbed 19 total votes but was ineligible for the runners-up trophy. 

Harrow-Balmoral’s Eric Guthrie was awarded the best under-21 player for the second year in a row.

Southern Roos’ newest addition in 2017, Nick Pekin, was equal on 16 votes alongside Southern Mallee Giant midfielder Coleman Schache. 

Callum Hobbs of the Southern Roos was sixth with 15 votes while Jeparit-Rainbow ruck man Sam Cranna was seventh with 14 votes. 

He was equal on votes with Edenhope-Apsley Saint Jason Rae, Natimuk United Ram Sam Anson and Guthrie.

Three players in Stormer Sean Bayzand, Baggie Ryan Folkes and Giant Tyler Lehmann all grabbed 12 votes to be named equal eighth. 

Another trio of players were ninth with 11 votes in Mountain Man Angus Martin, Southern Roo Sam Brewer and Giant forward Kain Robins. 

Three players rounded out the top 10 with nine votes in Giant Sam Weddell, Rupanyup Panther Zac May and Saints coach Michael Rowe. 

Carey said it was a bit of a surprise to win the award. 

“It was nerve racking, I feel like I was consistent through the year but not to that extent,” he said. 

“As a team (we had) a lot more wins, I really enjoyed playing with the bunch of blokes we have got… It makes it a hell of a lot easier, obviously being the coach, when the team is playing such good footy, it’s great to be involved.” 

Carey said he puts winning the award down to playing his role to the best of his ability. 

“Just do whatever the team needs whether it be more defensive or trying to get the ball out of the middle and give it to someone else,” he said. 

“Being under and around the umpires nose in midfield probably helps a little bit too.” 

Heynen gave a hats off to players from Harrow-Balmoral and the Southern Mallee Giants. 

“I think we would rather be in their position this weekend and we wish them good luck,” he said. 

“Congratulations to Scotty, he is a great bloke to play against and certainly went head to toe at Laharum.”