Signing a three-year contract to skipper Port Adelaide in the SANFL at the end of last year, Summerton's first season wearing the famous No. 1 guernsey was consistent and, at times, dominant on the field.
Winning his second A.R. McLean Medal came on the back of Summerton polling votes in all bar one game - the second semi final loss to Norwood - and being named best-on-ground an equal-season-high five times.
Summerton was also awarded the Max Porter Memorial Trophy as the League side's most consistent player.
The 26-year-old coughed back tears as he received the award and spoke passionately about his love for the club and his teammates.
It means everything to play for this club, it's been my most consistent year and wearing the No. 1 guernsey has helped me grow on and off the field," Summerton said.
"I can’t thank Buddha enough for allowing me to wear the No. 1.
"This year’s been beyond belief, I was worried about how it was going to work out this year but to everyone‘s credit who has been part of it, it’s been unbelievable and I can’t thank everyone enough."
Summerton spoke of the shared disappointment of his teammates when reflecting on the season that was - a minor premiership, but no silverware after suffering defeat at the hands of Norwood in the grand final.
He said the resolve among the club's leaders was to make amends in 2015.
"Getting so close this year – it was great to get a couple of finals under the belt.
"Obviously we fell short, but it will do the whole team a world of good ... I’m looking forward to bigger and better things next year."
"We’ll be back next year, and hopefully redemption will taste sweet."
Ben Newton finished second in the count some 33 votes behind Summerton after polling in 16 of 21 games throughout the season, including five best-on-ground performances.
Newton was also awarded the club's prestigious Fos Williams Memorial Award as the team's most dedicated player.
Veteran defender Tom Logan polled third in the count after a strong season playing as a rebounding half-back and jointly providing valuable leadership to a young and emerging backline.
He too received a significant honour - awarded the Anthony Williams Memorial Award as the team's most courageous player.
Karl Amon (best first year player), Anthony Biemans (best team man) and Aaron Young (best player in finals) also recieved awards.
Port Adelaide's SANFL marketing and operations executive Linda Crabb also recieved the Bob Clayton Memorial Trophy for her long and ongoing contribution to the club in the state league competition, having commenced with the Magpies in 2007.
2014 A.R. McLean Medal - top ten
A.R. McLean Medal: Steven Summerton – 331 votes
2. Ben Newton – 298
3. Tom Logan – 244
4. Jake Neade – 196
5. Paul Stewart – 173
6. Kane Mitchell – 160
7. Tom Clurey – 158
8. Brendon Ah Chee – 156
9. Sam Gray – 154
10. Andrew Moore – 140
See all the round-by-round voting
2014 League Award Winners
A.R. McLean Medal: Steven Summerton
A.R. McLean Medal - second place: Ben Newton
A.R. McLean Medal - third place: Tom Logan
Fos Williams Memorial Trophy - Most Dedicated: Ben Newton
League Coaches' Trophy - Brendon Ah Chee
Best First Year Player - Karl Amon
Leading Goal Kicker - John Butcher (32 goals)
Anthony Williams Memorial Trophy - Most Courageous: Tom Logan
Bruce Weber Memorial Trophy - Best Team Man - Anthony Biemans
Max Porter Memorial - Most Consistent: Steven Summerton
Best Player in Finals: Aaron Young
Bob Clayton Memorial Trophy - Best Clubperson - Linda Crabb
