King polled in all seven of his matches played this season, finishing with 17 votes – seven clear of Rover’s forward Damien Mizow (10) and eight in front of Rover’s captain Simon Pope (9).

Carlton great and AFL Hall of Fame legend Alex Jesaulenko presented King with the medal, an honour in itself according to King.

“Winning the medal is something pretty special but for it to be presented to you by an immortal of the game in Jesaulenko makes the moment even more memorable,” King said.

Growing up in an AFL passionate environment, King said the league’s best and fairest has always been held with high regards.

However, winning the award is just the beginning according to King, with the Tigers eyes set on a premiership.

“I always attended the league best and fairest’s back in Geelong but never got close to winning so it’s an unreal privilege to win it in Mount Isa.

“But as much as it’s a great personal achievement, I won’t be celebrating too hard until I have a premiership medal to go with it… that’s what we (Tigers) are really aiming for.”

The accolades for the Tigers continued throughout the night with Full Forward James Emsley winning the Leo White Memorial Trophy for most goals in the season.

Finishing the home and away season with 36 majors, Emsley averaged more than four goals a game with his best effort being in round 15 against the Bulldogs when he kicked 12.

Julie Watson, a former secretary of the Saints and Tigers Football Clubs before joining the league’s board, was awarded Life Membership to join her husband Ron as a Life Member.

Ron was awarded life membership two years ago but was presented with the honour on Friday night due to being absent at the presentation night in 2006.