Taylor finished the count with 54 votes to take the top honours ahead of 2014 Wimmera Football League under-17 runner-up Aussie Hamilton (40 votes) and talented forward Mitch Gemmola (36).

Coach Brad Haslett said Taylor's run and carry was very important to the team's success throughout the season.

"Riley has had a tremendous year, especially being one of the middle age players. So hopefully the upside for him will be pushing for a senior game next year," he said.

"He filled in for the reserves for six games in the latter half of the year, so he has already had a taste of the next level up and I just think he is going to be a big player for the Ararat Football Club in the future.

"He is an outstanding user of the ball."

Haslett said Hamilton was another player who had the potential to play senior football at the Rats following a strong performance in the juniors during 2014.

"Aussie was our centreman for the year and basically played there without change," he said

"He moves up now and again he is one that got a taste of senior football in the seconds and that's a good stepping stone. If he sticks around I can definitely see him getting an opportunity in the seniors."

Adding to his third place finish in the best and fairest, Gemmola was also the team's leading goal kicker with 37 majors for the season.

Other award winners in the under 17s included Aiden Moar (most consistent), Chris Wilson (most determined), Declan Roberts (best defender), Sam Cronin (best utility) and Thomas Phillips (coaches award).

Under-17 best and fairest

Riley Taylor 54; Austin Hamilton 40; Mitch Gemmola 36; Chris Wilson 27; Sam Cronin 24; Tom Williamson 21; Aiden Moar 17; Pat Bell 15; Fraser Heard 15; Declan Roberts 14; Logan North 14; Liam Arnott 11; Adam Haslett 9; Taine Pearse 8; Josh Driscoll 7; Ben Boatman 5; Tom Mills 4; Paddy Turner 1; Elijah Capstick 1; Kade Preston 1.

GRADY Slocombe narrowly edged out reigning under-14 best and fairest Jack Antonio to claim the Rats’ top award.

Slocombe finished the best and fairest count with 69 votes, seven ahead of runner-up Antonio.

The duo were the clear standouts on the team, with Isaiah Palamo and Cooper Heard in a tie for third place on 36 votes.

Rats’ under-14 coach Rohan White said after taking out the 2013 Ararat and District Junior Football Association best and fairest and the Mitre-10 most valuable player awards, Slocombe had no trouble stepping up a level at Ararat.

“Grady is a very skilful onballer that thrives on fitness and he made the transition from under 13s to Wimmera football really well,” he said.

“He just got better and better and didn’t play a bad game for the whole year, so I think consistency probably got him across the line.

“He will definitely make the seamless transition to Wimmera Football League under 17s next year too.”

Antonio is also a former ADJFA best and fairest winner and last year took out Ararat’s main award in the under 14s.

White said Antonio was once again a proven performer in his second year with the Rats.

“Again Jack has had a really solid year,” he said.

“The expectations were really high on him because he was our co-captain and he handled that well and led from the front.

“He is a really quality player.”

Palamo was named the team’s most determined, Heard took home the most consistent award. Other trophy winners included Baydyn Cosgriff (best first year player), Charlie White (leading goal kicker), Cody Lindsay (most improved), Jake Morgan (best utility) and Blake Thomas (coaches award).

Under-14 best and fairest

Grady Slocombe 69; Jack Antonio 62; Isaiah Palamo 36; Cooper Heard 36; Charlie White 33; Jake Morgan 30; Angus Burns 19; Baydyn Cosgriff 10; Sam Summers 9; Thomas Gemmola 7; Hamish Lawrie 7; Cody Lindsay 6; Jake Arnott 5; Blake Thomas 4; Scotty Cocking 3; Tom Robinson 2; Fraser Hamilton 2; Dermot Chapman 1; Rhiley McKinnis 1.