Minutes after suffering a heartbreaking 14.12 (96) to 12.17 (89) defeat to Brisbane, where Fremantle were overrun in the closing stages, gun Docker Bolton was as surprised as anyone to hear his name called.
"To our boys, heads up, we'll be back better and stronger," Bolton said after former Cats champion Paul Chapman presented the medal, which the star Docker took off as he left the stage.
Bolton (10 votes) won from Dayne Zorko (six), Will Ashcroft (six), Caleb Serong (four), Hayden Young (three) and Charlie Cameron (one).
The Docker is one of only five players to be named best on ground in a losing grand final team.
Chris Judd was the most recent, doing so for West Coast in 2005 against Sydney, with Nathan Buckley (2002), Gary Ablett Snr (1989) and Maurice Rioli (1982) the others.
On paper, Bolton had an excellent game, with 26 disposals, 686 metres gained and nine score involvements.
But he and his Docker teammates will instead rue what could have been.
Brisbane superstar Will Ashcroft had a case for a third medal in as many grand finals after a final-quarter masterclass.
When Patrick Voss put Fremantle up by 17 points and the "Wharfie Time'' rev-up activation sounded around the MCG, it was Ashcroft who put on his Superman cape and delivered one of the great, late performances.
Ashcroft recorded 12 disposals and four clearances in the final term, finishing with 31 and nine, as Brisbane responded with goals to Charlie Cameron, Zac Bailey and Logan Morris to hit the front.
Captain Harris Andrews was also superb, along with Dayne Zorko (28 disposals).
It appeared to be one of the most even ever Norm Smith fields.
Fremantle star Caleb Serong was arguably the most impressive midfielder across the day, with 24 disposals and 13 clearances, while Hayden Young (22 disposals) kicked two pivotal third-quarter goals.
Instead, it is Bolton left with an unwanted memento.
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