Brew polled 27 votes to finish well clear of Wanderers' Dane McFarlane (17) and Wangaratta-bound Waratahs star Abraham Ankers (15) in the league best and fairest count on Sunday.

"It's pretty massive for me," Brew, 24, said.

"Not too many southerners have won it.

"Brodie (Filo) has won it but I think there's probably only been a couple more.

"I came out of the blocks and got five best on grounds in the first seven rounds so I was like the horse hitting the front at the 450 mark at Flemington and hanging on.

"It's up there with my greatest football achievements but I'd love to play in a flag on the weekend as well.

"I've never played in a premiership before and last weekend was only my third final."

Brew's Nightcliff teammate, Filo, finished fourth on 14 votes with the pair set play a huge role against St Marys this weekend.

The tough centreman has been swamped by well-wishers since winning the medal with many of his former North Albury teammates being in touch.

"My good mate George Godde and a few of the boys have been in contact," he said.

"I went under the radar up here with the medal which was good."

Nightcliff coach Chris Baksh liked Brew and Filo's chances going into the count.

"I thought he would poll well because he's had a great season," Baksh said.

"My worry was Brodie Filo and Dom might take votes off each other during the count.

"Dom started the count really well.

"He's really fitted in and added some genuine toughness and ruggedness to the side."

Brew made a staggering 130 tackles this season which was 90 more than Southern Districts' utility Dean Staunton.

Baksh, a former CDHBU premiership player, said Brew was a player with a difference in the competition.

"He's adapted really well to the footy here," Baksh said.

"He's not quick or blessed with pace but reads the play and is very good around the stoppages.

"He's a cracking good country lad as well."

Brew started his Ovens and Murray career with Albury before moving to North Albury where he credits former Hopper coach and Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis for his dramatic improvement.

He represented the Northern Territory earlier this season and will return to VFL club Werribee after Saturday's grand final.

Nightcliff is shooting for its third straight flag.

"We have the cattle, it's just a mental game now," Baksh said.

"On form we should be alright if we turn up to play.

"Hopefully we can get the job done but St Marys is a good side and we will have to play well."