A dominant campaign launch had Marburg named the 2009 Ballarat Sportsmens Club Sportsperson of the Year at the Mecure Inn last night.

The honour caps off an impressive season for the Beijing Olympian, whose highlights include a world fours silver medal and national open pairs title.

Marburg said it was an honour to join a decorated list of elite Ballarat athletes.

"It really is something quite special," Marburg said.

"Looking back on the honour roll of 50 years of the award's history, I'm honoured to be part of great sporting history."

The 27-year-old joins fellow Ballarat rowers Gary Gullock (1984), Emily Martin (2001, 2005) and Anthony Edwards (2004) on the Ballarat sportsperson of the year honour roll, dating back to 1960.

Marburg's dominant year in the boat also netted every state heavyweight rowing title up for grabs, an Australian all-star eight win against New Zealand and Melbourne University's eight defeat of arch-rival Sydney University

in a university challenge.

Marburg made his Olympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Games, winning a silver medal with the men's four after his crew was forced to qualify its boat via a Polish regatta.

This year, Marburg has joined forces with St Patrick's College, where his rowing career started, to help fine-tune crews.

St Pats is chasing a fourth consecutive Head of the Lake title.

Marburg was in the St Pats' firsts crew in 2000, rowing second to Ballarat High School.

He looked forward watching from the banks of Geelong's Barwon River for the prestigious Ballarat Associated Schools' regatta later this month after last week cheering St Pats' four to victory against St Kevin's College, who

he also coaches.

St Pats is also keen to make a splash at nationals where Marburg is also seeking to defend his Australian pairs title, with the pairs serving as the main selection boat for the fours.

Marburg will be in action for the Victorian eight as it aims to avenge a second placing to New South Wales in the King's Cup.

Australian rowers then move to Europe for the World Cup circuit in May before world championships in New Zealand in November.

Sportsperson of the Year finalist Jarrod Edwards (football) was last night awarded the Hollioake Medallion as team player of the year.

Other 2009 finalists included middle-distance runners Collis Birmingham and Duer Yoa, past winners Jared Tallent and Shayne Reese, triathlete Jamie Huggett, and karate player Shannyn Johnstone-Ward.