Bukvic polled 34 votes, 20 clear of runner-up Dylan Gavel on 14, with Bailey Dexter (12), Stephen Currie (11), Mason Nhansana (11) and Nicholas Franco (10) next best.

In a year that was haunted by injuries and suspensions, Diamonds will be hoping to regain plenty of experience next season to return to cup finals contention.

At Boomers, it was the side’s defenders that polled heavily for the star player.

The experienced Dustin Patten claimed the top honour for the senior men with 65 votes, finishing ahead of coach and fellow centre back Decha Saisanid on 54.

Pieter Noordewier polled 45 votes to finish third, while a breakout year for Nathan Scott at the back saw him finish fourth on 40, one ahead of the classy Andrew Grove.

The young brigade of Noah Spiteri (24) and Tanner Browne (16) also featured prominently. 

The Archie Thompson Medal for Twin City Wanderers’ best and fairest player went to Cody Walsh.

Like Diamonds, the Wanderers had a year to forget in the injury and suspension department.

The club used a total of 35 players through its senior men’s lineup in 2017, highlighting how difficult a season it was.

One major positive from the situation was the fact the club’s young talent was able to get plenty of invaluable experience in the top side.

Albury City’s best and fairest was taken out by Hayden Curry-Johnson after a solid season through the middle and up front.

He finished the year with 14 goals and held off David Samiec for the club’s top award.

In the senior women’s, Boomers’ forward Torey Saisanid was a standout winner for the cup champions, collecting 55 votes.

Saisanid was 16 votes clear of star defender Gemma Noordewier on 39, with Beth Kennedy (34) third.

Ella-Jane Riley was the winner of the Wodonga Diamonds’ crown.

Jess Gannaway won the senior women’s star player and leading goal scorer for Cobram, edging out Alicia Rowan.

Albury United captain Mel Crorken and young gun Brea Quinlivan couldn’t be separated for the star player at Albury United, tying for the award.

Star Wangaratta striker Bianca Mulqueen was a big reason behind the Devils’ run to the cup finals and was recognised as her side’s leading player.

Myrtleford’s senior women’s winner was Tahnee Stevenson, finishing just ahead of Katherine Sylwestrzak in second.