Heading into the match at Devonport, Whitford led Ethan Petterwood by just one vote with last year's winner, Jaye Bowden, of Glenorchy, snapping at their heels.

Despite his side losing by two points, Whitford amassed 32 possessions, three goals and subsequently three votes plus an unassailable lead over Petterwood.

"He's actually going out with my sister so there has been a bit of banter around the dinner table during the week," said the 23-year-old midfielder, who was Premiership vice-captain last year.

"A few of our teammates gave us a bit."

Asked who his sister, former Launceston Tornadoes basketballer Madison, was hoping would win, he added: "I'd like to say myself but coming from what she said probably Ethan.

"Ethan probably deserved it as much as me, but obviously I got it this year."

Over the season, Whitford polled 21 votes including eight in the last four rounds.

Having also been selected in the Tasmanian representative side for the third year in a row, the former Launceston Church Grammar student, who has spent time playing at South Adelaide and Wodonga, was proud to be joining an honour role including Mitch Thorp, Luke Shackleton, Cameron Thurley, Scott Stephens and Jeromey Webberley.

"It's an award everyone wants to win in Tasmanian footy and I'm obviously excited to win the prize," Whitford said as he clutched his winner's cheque for $2500.

"Personally, I thought I was pretty consistent. There was probably a couple of quiet games mid-June, July, that you drop off when it gets cold.

"Every person that plays football, not just in Tasmania but Australia, will say the grand prize comes on the last Saturday in September so that's what we're all striving for. To be a player of the year and a premiership player will be even better."

TSL general manager Shaun Young thanked The Examiner, Advocate and Mercury for providing the votes for the competition.

"Taylor's had a fantastic and consistent season," he said. "His workrate and skill ethic have been outstanding and he thoroughly deserved to win."