Viney and Jones were locked on 340 votes apiece after round 19 but Viney was able to slip away over the final month of the season, finishing eight votes ahead.

The victory was due reward for the robust onballer, for he had finished second behind Bernie Vince by a vote last year.

Viney averaged 26 disposals this year, including 39 at 82 per cent efficiency in the breakthrough win over the Hawks in round 20.

His appetite for the contest remains voracious, highlighted when he had a career-high 16 tackles against the Western Bulldogs in round eight.

Viney joined his father, Todd, at having collected the Keith "Bluey" Truscott Medal. Todd Viney won the award in 1993 and 1998.

In a year where the Demons emerged as legitimate finals contenders for the first time in a decade, Viney's importance was reinforced when, already contracted until the end of 2017, he signed a three-year contract extension, ensuring he remained at the club at least until 2020.

"When I first got to the club, we were really struggling and that was a really difficult time to go through," he said upon signing the deal.

"Seeing close friends go to other clubs and play finals and successful football was extremely challenging.

"I wanted to know what it felt like to struggle, because ... the good times would be all that much sweeter.

"We're starting to finally see the fruits of those foundations that have been planned over the years and it's a really good time and exciting time to be at the footy club."

Jones enjoyed a fine season, averaging 28 touches per game in his first year of being the sole captain.

All-Australian ruckman and emerging cult figure Max Gawn finished third, with Dom Tyson a spot behind. Gawn did collect the coaches award.

Jack Watts, having endured years of conjecture over his value after being taken as the No.1 pick in the 2008 draft, enjoyed a break-out 2016, and was rewarded with a fifth placing. He booted 38 goals, three behind leader Jesse Hogan, who finished eighth in the count.

Watts began the season under pressure but was rewarded mid-year with a three-year contract extension.

The Demons officially farewelled coach Paul Roos, with Simon Goodwin now in charge as they seek to build on a platform, which included four Rising Star nominees this year.

Demons best and fairest:

Jack Viney 407 (votes)

Nathan Jones 399

Max Gawn 374

Dom Tyson 357

Jack Watts 308

Tom McDonald 306

Bernie Vince 287

Jesse Hogan 261

Neville Jetta 260

Dean Kent 235

Jayden Hunt 230

Christian Petracca 171

Oscar McDonald 159

Josh Wagner 158

Jeff Garlett 152

Billy Stretch 149

Tomas Bugg 148

Aaron vandenBerg 128

James Harmes 127

Other awards:

Coaches awards – Max Gawn

Best VFL player – Jack Grimes

Best young player – Jayden Hunt

Community award – Neville Jetta

Leadership – Jack Viney

James McDonald award – Max Gawn