Carter, who had a stellar year off half-back and dominated the final series, won the Ken Molloy Medal with 227 votes ahead of Frank Rosbrook Trophy winner, Bronik Davies, with 167 votes.
Ben McNiece (129), Anthony Hogan (111), Paul Scanlon (96) and Doug Morris (87) made up the top six.
Carter, who finally won the award after coming exceptionally close over the past two years, said his success was largely due to support from his father, Ron, who drives down from New South Wales most weeks to watch his son play.
He polled in 19 of 22 games and was adjudged best in eight games, enabling him to score 227 votes out of a possible 396.
His great season also earned him a spot on the half back flank in the Division 1 Team of the Year.
Unsurprisingly Steve Hiho was a clear winner in the reserves best and fairest count, followed by Justin Chilcott and Jason Grgic.
Anthony Ruggieri was awarded 166 votes to win Northcote Park’s under-19 best and fairest award for the second consecutive year.
Harley Short was runner up for the premiership-winning side with 145 votes, followed by Ben Abbatangelo (106), Joel Donaldson (96) and Damien Galafaro (79).
