Bungaree ruckman David Benson emerged victorious in a thrilling Central Highlands Football League senior vote count on Monday night.
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Benson claimed the prestigious Geoff Taylor Medal with a one-vote triumph over veteran teammate Chris O’Keefe and Daylesford onballer Jordan Alexander.
Beaufort’s Jack Duke and Buninyong’s Matt Caris were another vote behind.
Five footballers were in the hunt for victory heading into the final round of the home and away season, but Benson was the only player to poll.
His one-vote performance against Creswick was enough to land him the prize.
Benson’s triumph is the first by a Demons player since Scott Crough took out the senior best and fairest award in 2001 and his tally of 21 votes is the lowest successful total since the season of 1985.
Benson’s success comes in his third season with the Demons, which he joined from Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School for the 2014 campaign.
That season proved a fruitful one for the big man, who played a starring role in the club’s premiership campaign and was awarded the best-on-ground medal in the grand final triumph over Springbank.
Benson admitted it was a nerve-wracking experience to have to sit through such a tight vote count, but was visibly thrilled with his achievement in the moments after he was presented the medal.
“Obviously the grand final, I think nothing can really compare to that. And winning best on ground as well, that’s a nice little cherry on top. But I’ll definitely hold this close as well,” he said.
“I absolutely can’t believe it. I’ve been happy with the season I’ve had, but I never, ever would have expected this.”
The 29-year-old polled in 10 separate matches throughout the season, including best afield performances in the games against Newlyn (round seven), Skipton (round eight), Carngham-Linton (round 10) and Smythesdale (round 12).
