Star Fremantle rookie Paul Hasleby has edged out Bomber youngster Adam Ramanauskas to win 2000 Norwich Rising Star Award.
Hasleby polled 33 out of a possible 35 votes to clinch to award ahead of Ramanauskas who who polled 30 votes.
The seven-member voting panel were asked to give 5,4,3,2 and 1 votes at the end of the home and away season.
Kevin Barlett and Robert Walls gave Ramanauskas the five votes ahead of Hasleby while Neil Kerley, Rod Austin, Gerard Healy, Chris Mainwaring and Andrew Demetriou gave Hasleby the nod ahead of the young Bomber.
After the presentation Ramanauskas said he was happy to have gone so close in the prestigious award.
"It was great to get a few votes but Paul (Hasleby) thoroughly deserved to win the award, he has had a fantastic year," Ramanauskas said.
"While it would have been nice to win, I really have more important things to worry about just at the momnent.
"We desperately want to reach a Grand Final and that's what all our energies are focussed on at the moment."