Western Force skipper Matt Hodgson capped off an outstanding Super Rugby season by winning the franchise’s Nathan Sharpe Medal.
Hodgson was the runaway winner of the best-and-fairest award, with his 343 votes easily eclipsing Ben McCalman (248), Sam Wykes (181), Dane Haylett-Petty (158) and Sias Ebersohn (144).
The Nathan Sharpe Medal is determined by each member of the match-day 23 voting for their peers on a 3, 2, 1 basis.
Winger Nick Cummins was unlucky to miss out on a top-five finish, but the man nicknamed the “Honey Badger” took out the Members’ MVP award.
Lock Adam Coleman was named the Rising Star, while McCalman and Wykes were joint winners of the Geoffrey Stooke Award, which recognises the efforts of players both on and off the field.
Hodgson was at his inspirational best throughout the season, with his immense tackling efforts and tireless work at the breakdown almost inspiring the Force to a maiden finals berth.
The 33-year-old’s hot form was rewarded with a call-up to the Wallabies’ squad for Australia’s 3-0 series win over France.
Hodgson has now won a club-record three Nathan Sharpe Medals, adding to his triumphs in 2009 and 2010.
The Force were on the verge of making the finals this year, but a loss to the Brumbies in the final round saw them finish eighth, just two points adrift of sixth spot.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Sam Wykes must have been close, the games I went to he was motm
Blue Blood
Guest
Considering the playing list they had ($2 million vs $6 million - Tahs, Brumbies, Reds) the fact they were 2 points off making the finals is incredible. It is a huge part down to the player and captain that Matt Hodgson is. He did what Pocock and Sharpe couldn't or wouldn't do. He made his own ego and popularity a last priority and pulled the culture out of the gutter. He turned a team of relative no names into a team that is their most successful ever. The Force at times had over a dozen Wallabies and yet they still couldn't do what this team did. Thank you for being the leader the Force always needed Hodgo. We loved watching you guts it out all season long. 2015 can't come soon enough. Now if only the east coast and in particular Link can acknowledge your talent and give you the national opportunities your season deserves! Here's hoping! Deans could never get it right but let's see if Link will be any better
IronAwe
Guest
My fav. player of the 2014 tournament. No x facter, no pizazz, just raw Aussie guts and determination. Love this guy. Monumental player. Thoroughly deserved.
Michael Essa
Roar Guru
good on him! Deserves it.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Thoroughly deserved Matt, congratulations. I suspect that without Matt this team would not have shown the steel they did. Players like him make any coach look competent, so, developing his partners-in-crime (most pilfers etc.) should be the off-season's no. 1 task.
Bunratty
Guest
Wonderful effort...certainly deserved!