Meline played for the Crows up until 2016, before playing the next three years in NEAFL with Canberra Demons.

The shutdown of a number of leagues resulted in Meline and several other club juniors returning to the Crows for this year's condensed AFL Riverina Championships.

Meline was super in the two-month competition, and would likely have been judged best on field in the grand final had they not been defeated by Wagga Tigers.

Meline won a tight count from fellow midfielder Jeromy Lucas, while promising forward prospect was rewarded for his stellar year with the most consistent award.

Jake Wood was adjudged most improved, Nathan Ryan claimed the coach's award and Meline also won best finals player.

Crows skipper Bryce O'Garey, who announced his retirement after the grand final, said Meline was great to have around the club as a role model for younger players.

"They (Meline and Lucas) were probably the two standout players and Cooper Sharman got most consistent, but any of those three could have ended up with the best and fairest award," O'Garey said.

"He (Meline) showed a bit of class and was good for our young group. The consistency he brought to week-in, week-out footy, he was a well deserved winner.

"Everyone looked up to him and what he does in the dressing sheds and how he prepares. I'm sure the guys will remember that and use if for future seasons.

"He basically kept us alive in the grand final, especially through the third quarter and really good players play well in those games.

"He's obviously a very good player to produce a display like that for a losing team."

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