The star centre half back polled a league-leading 23 votes, just ahead of Hornridge’s Brad Cooper and Toby Ripley from Andamooka, who tied for second place.

The award, usually reserved for high-possession midfielders, proves the dominance of the rebounding defender, who was obviously able to catch the umpire’s eye despite having to often do a job on one of the opposition’s best players.

In the middle of his medal-winning season, Pyke was a part of the league’s “all-star” side, which travelled to Adelaide to take on the representative Broken Hill squad.

Pyke appeared in the best players of his side’s loss, showing that he could more than match it with the best when the best came to play.

While the medal is a deserved reward in recognition of a stellar season, Pyke’s focus will be on delivering his best performance yet in this week’s grand final.

Now officially the league’s “best and fairest” player, Pyke will be expected to lead the way on Saturday as they battle Olympic Dam for the flag.

In a twist, the league’s Mail Medallist may be given the task of shutting down the league’s leading goal kicker, Olympic Dam’s Scott Montgomerie, who won the award with 38 majors.

When Roxby Districts demolished Olympic Dam in the second semi-final, Montgomerie was kept to just one goal.

If Pyke can lead the Roxby defence for four more quarters, then the team will get their elusive premiership, and Pyke his second medal in a week.