Taylor, boosted by a pair of best-on-ground performances, polled 14 votes, to finish two ahead of Echuca midfielder Jessica Pitts in a tight and enthralling vote count.

Kerang's Alana Woodward was a further vote back in third place on 11.

Molly Giggins was Bendigo Thunder's top vote-getter, tied for fourth place on 10 votes with Shepparton's Breanna Davison and Echuca's Kate Dixon.

Mooroopna's Miliana Naicori was next best on nine votes.

The votes were counted at Monday night's NCWL presentation night at the Kyabram Club.

Taylor said she was genuinely shocked and excited to win the coveted award and praised the input of Tigers coach Ben Muir.

“I had no idea I was in the running to win this tonight, I am just stunned and so excited” she said.

“We have had a great year and I really love the club and my teammates and the fun we have had during the season.”

“The competition has been fantastic and my own individual performance has improved heaps with Ben's coaching.”

Bendigo Thunder sharpshooter Erin Ross received the other major individual award, winning the goalkicking award.

Ross booted 47 goals during the home and away season and brought up her 50th in the Thunder's thumping 83-point second semi-final win over Benalla Saints.

Echuca's Mick McInnes was named coach of the year, and Kerang’s Nick Hunter was the administrator of the year.

Attention now turns to Sunday's grand final between the Thunder and Benalla Saints at Weeroona Oval.

The Saints advanced to the grand final with a two-point win over Shepparton Bears last Sunday, but have not beaten the Thunder in two attempts this season.

The grand final kicks-off at 2.30pm.