Sean McMahon has claimed his second consecutive Melbourne Rebels Player of the Year honour at an awards function on Saturday.
Another stellar season saw the 22-year-old pole the most votes from his peers to claim the Players’ Player award, finishing ahead of Jordy Reid, Tamati Ellison, Toby Smith and debutant Reece Hodge.
McMahon finished the 2016 Super Rugby season with career best statistics, including three tries from 14 games and made the most tackles (129) and equal-most line breaks (eight) by a Rebels player.
The Rebels Players’ Player honour caps off a remarkable year for the Queensland-native, who was also named the 2016 Super Rugby Player of the Year at the John Eales Medal in October.
“It’s a pleasure to receive this award again from all the boys – what a year it’s been,” McMahon said in a video message from Wallabies camp ahead of their clash with Ireland on Saturday.
“I’m really looking forward to hitting next year and hopefully we can take another step forward for the club and play finals.” - Sean McMahon
The Player’s Player award, voted on by all matchday 23 players after every game, has been claimed by a back rower for a fourth straight year after McMahon (2015), Colby Fainga’a (2014) and Higginbotham (2013).
The afternoon saw the club celebrate another season of firsts, which included a record equalling seven victories, maiden victory over the Sunwolves in Japan, a historic first win over the Waratahs in Sydney and held top spot on the Australian Conference ladder during the season for the first time.
Jordy Reid was named recipient of the Spirit of Weary Dunlop award, chosen by Rebels coaching staff, for who best exemplifies the club’s values of defending the line against all odds, never giving in, being a great team person and battling the hard moments on the field. Reid was also unanimously named the Rebels People’s Choice award, as voted by club’s members and fans.
Hodge was crowned Rebels Rookie of the Year after a remarkable debut season. The 22-year-old, who was also named Super Rugby Rookie of the Year and is a nominee for the Rugby Union Players Association’s Newcomer of the Year award, finished his maiden season with a club record nine tries and 63 points, which included a record 20 points on debut in Round 1 against the Force.
AWARD WINNERS
Players’ Player Award: Sean McMahon
Spirit of Weary Dunlop Award: Jordy Reid
Rookie of the Year: Reece Hodge
People’s Choice Award: Jordy Reid
Rising Player of the Year: Tom English
Rising Spirit Award: Harley Fox
2016 Try of the Year: Colby Fainga’a
