Harding held-off a fast-finishing Jake Francis to claim the award by two votes.

The top honour was reward for a consistent season from Harding and affirmation for what has been a long, but successful, return from a broken leg late in 2016.

Harding’s playing future was in doubt following the serious injury, so to have him back playing regular senior soccer in the National Premier League two west competition was a great story, but to take out the club’s top award was credit to a lot of hard work.

Ballarat City coach Danny Gnjidic said Harding was a “deserving” winner of the award and was pleased to see him return to his best over the last 18 months.

“He had a fantastic year,” Gnjidic said.

“There were questions on whether he’d be able to play again at any level, given the type of injury he had.

“He didn’t think he’d be able to play again.

“He came into pre-season firing and he didn’t miss a beat...and he took that into the season.”

Gnjidic said Harding was often his harshest critic and did not expect to take out the award

“He’s sensitive soul.

“He’s a happy go luck type, but he can get down on himself when he doesn’t play well.

“He didn’t think he’d win, he thought there may have been more consistent players, but he was a deserving winner.”

The best and fairest award sees four coaches hand out votes on a 3-2-1 system across the 28-match season.

Ballarat City finished ninth on the table with nine wins.