Brumby Smith in seventh heaven
Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:18
Brumbies and Wallabies openside flank George Smith has won his seventh Brett Robinson Players Player Award at the Brumbies' annual presentation night held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra tonight.
Smith (353 votes) finished ahead of fullback Mark Gerrard (154), flank Mitchell Chapman (111) and No.8 Stephen Hoiles (106) to claim the award for the sixth consecutive season.
In the absence of Stirling Mortlock, the 27-year-old back-rower captained the Brumbies in seven matches in 2008, in addition to bringing up his 100th Super Rugby match with the Brumbies' 29-23 win over the Cheetahs, and winning his third successive Australian Super 14 Player of the Year Award in May.
Former Brumbies head coach Laurie Fisher says Smith is thoroughly deserving of the award.
"After a while you tend to run out of superlatives for George Smith," he said. "George is a tremendously talented and consistent footballer who has remained at the top of his game for nine years.
"Regardless of the score line, George continues to give his all in every game and this award is again acknowledgement of that by his peers.
"Winning this award seven times - considering the calibre of players we have had through the side during that time - is a magnificent achievement."
Smith and Mortlock were also recognised for reaching 100 Super Rugby matches during 2008.
In the evening's other awards prop Nic Henderson was named Best Forward while Mark Gerrard was recognised as Best Back.
"Hendo has been another very consistent player for the Brumbies since he made his debut five seasons ago," Fisher said.
"He continues to develop into a world-class scrummager and I thought he was incredibly unlucky to be overlooked for any representative squads at the end of the Super 14 season but know he will continue to play an integral role within the team for years to come.
"The injuries through our backline were well-publicised during the year and required our senior members to take a lead. Mark took on that role gave us good field position with his excellent kicking game and put together a number of strong performances in what was a largely inexperienced backline."
Flyhalf Christian Lealiifano received the Most Improved Player Award after maintaining the playmaker's role for each of the Brumbies' 13 matches in his debut season.
Garry Quinlivan was awarded the Garry Quinlivan Clubman Award - named in his honour - for clubman of the year having held the position of Team Assistant Manager since the Brumbies' inaugural season in 1996.
2008 Brumbies Award Winners:
Brett Robinson Player's Player Award - George Smith
Best Forward - Nic Henderson
Best Back - Mark Gerrard
Most Improved Player Award - Christian Lealiifano
Garry Quinlivan Clubman Award - Garry Quinlivan
2008 Brett Robinson Player's Player
Award Votes:
353 - George Smith
154 - Mark Gerrard
111 - Mitchell Chapman
106 - Stephen Hoiles
101 - Julian Salvi
96 - Peter Playford
Brett Robinson Player's Player Award History:
2008 - George Smith
2007 - George Smith
2006 - George Smith
2005 - George Smith
2004 - George Smith
2003 - George Smith
2002 - Stirling Mortlock
2001 - George Smith
2000 - Jim Williams
