Burton polled 22 votes in the best and fairest count in Ballarat on Monday night.

He produced a big second half of the season to finish ahead of Melton midfielder and his former Cobra teammate Matt Denham by five votes.

Just three votes separated Denham and the next six players.

The Henderson Medal rounded out a big night for Burton, who also won The Courier player of the year award and was named in the BFL team of the year.

Burton joined Bacchus Marsh in 2016 and was instrumental in the Cobras securing their first BFL premiership in that season. He finished equal fourth in the Henderson Medal that year.

He becomes the second Bacchus Marsh player to win the medal - following in the footsteps of Wayne Cracknell in 1997.

Burton began the season quietly - not polling a vote until round six. He then made his move with votes in six of the next eight rounds, including five best-on-grounds.

North Ballarat City leading goalkicker Will Young and Bacchus Marsh captain Scott Sherlock were early leaders, with Young in front by up to five votes midway through the count.

Burton drew level on 13 before Denham made his move - going into the last two rounds with a one-vote buffer.

Burton picked up another best-on-ground in round 17 ahead of the last round clash between Bacchus Marsh and Melton, which the Bloods won.

Denham did not figure in the votes, with Burton getting another three.

While he missed out on the BFL's highest individual award, Denham has the opportunity to be a premiership player for the season time in three years when Melton faces East Point in Saturday's grand final at Mars Stadium.

Burton received votes in eight games, including seven best-on-grounds.

Denham polled in seven games.

Sebastopol's Tony Lockyer finished third on 16 in his first full season in the BFL, while past Henderson Medallist Steve Kennedy (Darley) and Paul Koderenko (East Point) were each on 15.

Kennedy polled in only one game before round 12 - producing his best as Darley charged towards the finals.

East Point's Mickijta Rotumah-Onus stamped himself as one of the big improvers in the competition, with the youngster getting votes in eight games to give him 14 votes.

Burton said  a return to full fitness and again having a free rein as the Cobras’ number one ruckman had been enabled him to return to his best form of two years ago.

The 23-year-old, who is originally from Point Cook, said he felt at his best when able to take the game on with freedom.