Popert, who began the final round three shots adrift of overnight leader Kurtis Barkley, played a round that reinforced his status as World No.1, eventually winning by seven shots at two-under-par.

The Englishman’s three-under-par 69 was comfortably the day’s best score as a gusting northerly breeze, as always in Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt, proved a worthy defence for all but the most clinical ball striking.

And that’s exactly what 24-year-old provided, even when the challenges presented themselves.

“I was really happy with the way I played,” Popert beamed after holding aloft the trophy.

“We train to do that and I managed to do it … when I needed to, and playing with Kurtis and Juan (Postigo), who are such good players, it’s even better.”

Canadian Barkley started slowly and was four over for his round after a double bogey at the 6th.

By the time Popert rolled in a short birdie putt on the par-5 8th, he’d assumed the lead and after overcoming challenges with spectacular escape shots on the next two holes, he eased clear on the back nine.

“On nine, I hit it in the trees left, chipped out and had 230 (yards) and put it to 12 feet, holed that putt (for birdie),” Popert said.

“And then on 10, I hit it left and then hit a 50-yard hook around the trees to about 10 feet.

“They really got me going and it was a really nice round.”

Postigo, the popular Spaniard, closed with a birdie for his own brilliant 72, charging home to finish at six over, just one stroke adrift of Barkley.

Veteran Geoff Nicholas was the best-placed Australian, showing his experience to close with a gritty 76 to climb to seventh at 20-over.

Popert will play in the Australian Master of the Amateurs and Australian Amateur Championship in the new year.