The 22-year-old, from Melton, beat a quality field to win the final from the frontmark of 10.5 metres in a time of 12.17 seconds.

Last year's Gift winner, Launceston's Andrew Robinson, ran gallantly to take second off the backmark of 5.5m with Woodbridge veteran Dan Le Moto continuing his fine season's form to finish third off a mark of 8.75m.

The John Henry-trained runner said he was ecstatic with his win, but had no expectations pre-race in his second Latrobe Carnival.

"I think it is dangerous to expect - I think you should always have confidence in yourself and it all just came together today and I couldn't be happier," he said.

"I had gastro last night and wasn't sure I was going to get here today and to pull it together after that I'm really happy.

"Its the biggest win of my career and the work has obviously paid off."