The livewire forward, pictured, who booted 59 goals for the season, edged out talented midfielder Jordan Harrington to claim the Keith Shea Medal for the first time on Saturday night.

“It’s a bloody great story,” North Albury coach Jason Akermanis said.

“As we all know, he spent time in jail over the summer but six months later he is a best and fairest winner.

“It just shows you what you can do if you get in a good program and get a good education.

“He bought into that.

“I have no doubt everyone else jumped off him but we didn’t.

“I can’t speak highly enough of not just him, but everyone at the club.”

Ovens and Murray representative Kris Holman rounded out the top-three.

Meanwhile, Al Austin has taken out Corowa-Rutherglen’s best and fairest in his first year at the club.

The underrated defender, who joined the Roos over the summer, edged out Jamie Seymour and Luke Gestier in a thrilling count at John Foord Oval.

Just two votes separated Austin from Seymour and another two from Seymour to star forward Gestier.

Corowa-Rutherglen takes on Wangaratta Rovers in Sunday’s elimination final at Myrtleford.