McNeill, who previously topped the count in 2008, 2013 and 2014, polled 31 votes to romp home from Rutherglen coach Damian Wilson on 22.

He joins former Holbrook midfielder Laurie McInnes as a four-time champion.

McNeill, 29, said he was surprised to lead from early in the count.

“You don’t ever come to these things expecting to win, you just hope to put in a good effort throughout the year," McNeill said.

“After that happens, whatever comes of it, comes of it.”

Chiltern’s Danyl Woods finished third on 18 votes with Thurgoona co-coach Jamarl O’Sullivan.

McNeill has played 185 matches for Barnawartha as well as having stints with Lavington and Rand-Walbundrie.

He said it was surreal to claim a fourth Barton Medal.

“When you change as a person you change as a player, the role you play within the team,” McNeill said.

“The only thing that really changed for me has been the leadership role.

“I look at all the 19-year-old players we have at the moment and I think of myself back then, what some of the older guys did for me.

“We're all joining forces with Peter Cook's grand plan, we're all buying in and it's a really good feeling.

“I like to approach every game similar to the next, the only difference is the goosebumps before running out at Sandy Creek.”

Mitta United’s Angus Sutherland took out the reserves, Yackandandah’s Connor Marshall won the thirds and promising Wahgunyah youngster Finn Osborne was successful in the fourths.

Finals are set to kick off this weekend.