The Yackandandah co-coach was “absolutely stoked” to win his first ever league best and fairest.

After a quickfire start to the season where he opened up a three-vote lead after six round, Dale fell in and out of top spot before finishing strongly to poll 27 votes, well clear of Thurgoona’s Aydan Brown on 20.

Dale also won Yackandandah’s senior best and fairest on Saturday night, taking his career tally to three after claiming the honour at Beechworth last season and Myrtleford in 2012.

“When I used to play at Myrtleford, I was up there in the Morris Medal a couple of times and I think I came fourth one year, but I’ve never won one, so it’s a pretty exciting moment,” Dale said.

Dale returned to his childhood club this season to co-coach with older brother, Jay, and clearly hasn’t been daunted by the task.

“It’s been a bit of a surreal feeling playing where I grew up with all my best mates and obviously there’s really strong family ties to the club as well,” he said.

“I’ve been able to settle back in really quickly, and, even though I’m in a coaching role, I’ve felt quite relaxed when I’ve been out on the field.

“That comes from the support that we have off the field to look after the bench for us, which makes it easier.

“Coaching with the brother (Jay) takes a bit of pressure off as well.

“He dished a fair few handballs out to me through the year, so I probably owe a few votes to him.”

But Dale admitted he’d give all his success back to be playing this weekend.

The pair have signed for another year and are hoping to go one better than sixth and return the club to finals after nine wins this season. 

“The signs are all there, it’s a pretty young group, but having a bit more experience this year will change things up a lot,” Dale added.