Defender Ben McNiece has been awarded Best First Year Player for Essendon VFL.

After an impressive few years playing for Northcote Park in the Northern Football League, McNiece signed on with the VFL Dons at the end of last season.

Shutting down some of the best forwards in the Northern Football League, McNiece was often called upon to do more of the same this year.

Despite measuring in at just 178cm, McNiece’s competitive nature and raw aggression allows him to contend and regularly win contests with the tallest forwards of the competition.

The VFL coaches were thrilled with McNiece’s determination and hard work to cement his spot in the side, after he debuted in Round Six.

McNiece possesses elite speed and kicking skills, providing the VFL Dons with plenty of rebound throughout the year.