The 27-year-old was shocked to hear his name read out after beating Guy Orton for the honour.

A Swans junior who started playing Aussie rules at 14, Matheson said it was the first time he had been named best and fairest in any grade.

"I honestly didn't think I'd take it away. It was a big surprise," Matheson said.

"I thought I'd played all right. I think it was probably my most consistent year.

"I played every game injury free. I didn't really have one standout game, but I think it was that consistency that got me over the line."

After starting the Riverina Football League season on the half-back line, Matheson relished a move to the midfield, where he quickly became a headache for opposition defences.

"I really enjoyed it," Matheson said of his time in the Swans engine room.

"I got to play with guys like Guy Orton and Mick Duncan.

"They gave me a bit of extra confidence and really helped me out."

In the A grade netball vote count, Maddy Testoni was named best and fairest, while Anna Korovata and Zoe Whitworth shared the players' player award.

Swans stalwart Trevor Harrison was made a life member.