Daniel, who earned a maiden All-Australian berth for a stellar year off half-back, won the award for the first time with 205 votes, ahead of captain Marcus Bontempelli (195) and midfielder Tom Liberatore (160).

The 24-year-old's poise and damaging kicking helped the Bulldogs reach an elimination final, with Daniel averaging 20.2 disposals and 16.6 effective disposals per game.

"Being voted the best and fairest for the year is something you've obviously dreamed about ever since you started playing footy," Daniel said.

"To be able to do that in front of my friends and the players that I've been able to play with this year is something I'll hold with me forever.

"This whole year has obviously been a massive challenge for everyone that's taken part, but I think just having that positive outlook on what we can do and what I personally could do to help influence the team and take us forward with our performance was something I really strived to do."

Three-time winner Bontempelli earned a top-three finish for the sixth consecutive year while hard-nosed midfielder Liberatore made the podium for the first time since winning the best and fairest in 2014.

Jack Macrae, Bailey Williams, Alex Keath, Bailey Smith, Tim English, Lachie Hunter and Mitch Wallis rounded out the top 10.

Australian Associated Press