Having tied with Pascoe Vale’s David James at last year’s count to share the medal, Desousa’s 23 votes edged out Hadfield’s Bassman Abdulwahed by one in last night’s count.

James was eight off Desousa’s pace with 15 votes, with Abdulwahed the only other player in the poll to pass 20 votes as the top two ran away.

Desousa played only 15 of Taylors Lakes’ home-and-away games during the season, but 16 goals and eight appearances in his own team’s best was enough to convince the umpires.

The 26-year-old had enough votes in the bank after the middle rounds of the season, with Abdulwahed’s late charge falling one short of forcing consecutive ties.

Goals translated into votes in the count, with Aaron Kite’s 93-major haul earning 16 votes and fourth place, while Marcus Pappa’s 51 goals for Airport West was critical to his 15 votes and equal fifth-placed finish.

Pre-count contenders Harley Ryan of Pascoe Vale (11 votes) and Matt Morelli of Taylors Lakes (eight votes) were well off the victor’s pace, while Sydenham Hillside’s Tumay Hamza defied being named in his team’s best just once for the entire season by polling 17 votes to finish third.

‘‘Just to be noticed as one of the best players in the league is amazing,’’ Desousa said.

‘‘We are definitely quite the same,’’ Desousa said of Abdulwahed.

‘‘We’re both slowing down a bit, both players with our head over the ball trying to get it out.

‘‘My best friend and our ruckman (Matthew Buhagiar) let’s me know how many times he’s given me the ball. Our first-team on-ballers like Matt Morelli and Ben Hutchinson, they’re a big part of this award right here.’’

Currently studying to be a personal trainer, Desousa is never far from gym work and is able to keep his body at a level that allows for consistent performance.

‘‘I have a ritual every Friday night before a game. I’ll sit down in front of the TV and watch the footy, have a glass of port and that relaxes me for a good nights sleep.’’

With Taylors Lakes set to play Pascoe Vale in this weekend’s grand final, the season has one more big game to come for Desousa.

‘‘I work for my coach which (Steve Burns) which helps a lot. The club has been around for 20 years and just to be in the first side in a grand final is amazing.’’