Mark Whiley and Northern Blues captain Brent Bransgrove tied in the 2015 Laurie Hill Trophy count to finish equal-third on 51 votes.

The first-year Blue and Northern stalwart couldn’t be separated on the night, largely thanks to a solid mid-season patch where both men consistently featured among the votes.

Two major contributors to a Northern Blues on-ball brigade which was its strong point throughout the season, Whiley and Bransgrove’s efforts when the going got tough were noticed by the coaches.

The big-bodied midfielder’s highest-polling game came in the big loss to North Ballarat in Round 16, registering 14 votes for his 31-disposal effort against the Roosters.

Whiley’s performances at VFL level ultimately saw him rewarded with a string of uninterrupted games for Carlton, in his first season since crossing over from Greater Western Sydney.

After polling in the opening game for a 29-disposal, one-goal effort against Williamstown, Whiley’s form after the mid-season bye saw him register 46 of his 51 votes in five consecutive VFL games.

It was the second-most prolific vote-polling form of the night, only behind Nick Graham’s blistering start to the season on his way to second place.

Given 2015 was a year of change for the former Giant, the third-placed result from 10 games provides a perfect platform ahead of 2016.

Awarded life membership of the club at the corresponding night last season, Bransgrove’s third-placed finish was reward for one of his best years before going down with injury.

A three-week patch where he polled 33 votes - including the maximum 15 on offer against Richmond - saw Northern’s captain rise to third spot before a hamstring injury in Round 14.

Despite not featuring in the last five games of the season, Bransgrove maintained his spot on the podium as Whiley ultimately drew level at Round 16.

After receiving life membership on the corresponding night last season, Bransgrove said he was shocked to place so highly in the best and fairest award.

“Obviously it was nice for my body to hold up longer than usual this year, but I came into the night not expecting anything,” Bransgrove said.

Bransgrove paid credit to his coaches and fellow players as he took the stage, admitting the result was a “complete surprise”.

"Thanks to Luke Webster in particular, for backing me and the team in every single week,” Bransgrove said.

"It wasn't the season we wanted: but we’ll continue to stick together on and off the field and that's what I love about this club.”