by Mat Churchill

Daniel Smith, Port Douglas Crocs' dynamic midfielder, has won the coveted Crathern Medal for the Best and Fairest player in the AFL Cairns.

In a close battle with North Cairns' Brendan Tennick, Smith came out on top with 24 votes after polling the maximum three votes in the final round.

The unassuming 25 year old said his team mates were more confident of success than he was going into the count.

"A few of the boys said I'd go alright, but you just never know," he said. "In a couple of games where I was given three votes I thought I'd played terribly."

The Crocs have become a tight knit group this year and his team mates were quick to congratulate his achievement.

"I've had a few texts and calls. There were a lot of players there last night because we've had a good season. All the boys are happy."

Smith has been an integral factor in the Crocs stellar season after moving from the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League in Victoria, where he has also won their league Best and Fairest Award in 2008.

But he's already putting Monday night's honour behind him to focus on the bigger goal of winning this Saturday's Grand Final against Cairns Saints.

"It's a great individual honour, but with one game to go I'd rather have a premiership medal."

But Smith wasn't the only winner for the Crocs on the night. Andy Viola won Coach of the year, Stephen Lyon won goal of the year for his effort against the Manunda Hawks, while Matt Shaw took out the leagues goal kicking award with his 108 for the season.