Hilton won the award ahead of fellow forward Trent Castles and gun midfielder Nic Holman.

In his first year at Jindera, Hilton kicked more than 100 goals and was one of the many recruits who helped guide the club to its first flag since 1975.

“It was a fantastic win,” Hilton said after the Bulldogs’ emphatic win over Osborne in last month’s grand final.

“The boys have been brilliant all year and the last four weeks came together.”

He came to the club after finishing his time as captain and two-time premiership player at North Albury in the Ovens and Murray league.

He was a regular O and M representative and was co-captain of the 2006 Victorian Country Championships winning team at Lavington.

Hilton spent one season as a defender with the Kangaroos in 2001 and was promoted from the rookie list when full-back Mick Martyn was placed on the long-term injury list.

He played his only AFL match against Collingwood in the final home and away round at Manuka Oval before being cut from the list during the off-season.

Meanwhile, utility John Anthony claimed the seconds best and fairest ahead of consistent onballer Matt Osborne.