David Pocock wins second John Eales Medal
David Pocock has crowned his stellar return to international rugby by claiming the John Eales Medal as Australia's most outstanding player in spectacular fashion.
The champion back-rower collected his second medal despite only playing eight of the 13 Tests during the voting period, which began on last year's spring tour of Japan and Europe.
Pocock dominated the medal count, amassing 262 votes - 123 more of runner-up Lukhan Tui - to underline his immense value to the Wallabies after his 2017 sabbatical.
"It's very special," the 30-year-old said.
"I've loved being back in the Wallabies jersey this year. It's an outstanding group. We haven't got the results that we're after but we're working on it."
The workhorse forward also reinforced his standing in the eyes of Wallabies supporters by taking out the fan's choice award as Wallabies player of the year.
"Individual awards in teams sports are always a bit awkward. Your teammates are the guys you want to play well for. It's a huge honour but it feels a bit strange," Pocock said.
Having also snared the John Eales Medal in 2010, Pocock joins fellow Wallabies greats George Smith, Nathan Sharp and current captain Michael Hooper as a dual winner of Australian rugby's highest individual honour.
Only superstar code hopper Israel Folau, with three gongs, has won more.
A host of other stars were recognised at Friday night's awards at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, including Queensland Reds prop Taniela Tupou, who was named Super Rugby player of the year.
Rugby Australia Awards 2018 award winners:
HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Ian Frame (Knox Rugby Club)
HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Tilly Vlok (Box Hill Rugby Club)
Roger Vanderfield TNT Referee of the Year: Angus Gardner
Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award: Scott Fardy
Joe French Award: Ron Graham
Geoff 'Bunter' Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award: Matthew Chapman (Miami State High)
Under 20s Player of the Year: Fraser McReight (Queensland)
Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year: Taniela Tupou (Qantas Wallabies)
Rugby Australia Try of the Year: Taqele Naiyaravoro v Rebels (Round 5 - Super Rugby)
Buildcorp Super W Player of the Year: Shanice Parker (NSW Women)
Vodafone Super Rugby Player of the Year: Taniela Tupou (Queensland Reds)
Australia's Choice - Qantas Wallaby of the Year: David Pocock
Buildcorp Women's XV Player of the Year: Emily Chancellor
The Shawn MacKay Award - Men's Sevens Player of the Year: Ben O'Donnell
The Shawn MacKay Award - Women's Sevens Player of the Year: Evania Pelite
John Eales Medal: David Pocock
JOHN EALES MEDAL WINNERS
2002: George Smith
2003: Phil Waugh
2004: David Lyons
2005: Jeremy Paul
2006: Chris Latham
2007: Nathan Sharpe
2008: George Smith
2009: Matt Giteau
2010: David Pocock
2011: Kurtley Beale
2012: Nathan Sharpe
2013: Michael Hooper
2014: Israel Folau
2015: Israel Folau
2016: Michael Hooper
2017: Israel Folau
2018: David Pocock
