Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight has joined a group of greats after winning the 2026 John Eales Medal.
McReight was the runaway winner after a brilliant season for the Wallabies over the past 12 months, taking out his first medal.
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In doing so, the openside flanker etches himself into the history books alongside some of the best flankers to ever pull on the gold jersey.
He follows in the footsteps of four-time winner Michael Hooper, two-time winners David Pocock along with George Smith and Phil Waugh.
"I think it means I have created my own legacy," McReight said on joining the list.
"Those players that have come before me are fantastic players and we're all so different. I think now people can fully appreciate that they're unbelievable players and I was lucky enough to play with Hoops and idolise a lot of them.
"I think for me now to carve my own path and knowing that I've got the World Cup next year and other things that I'm really targeting is really special to me."
It’s the fifth time a flanker has won the award in the past seven years, with Hooper and Valetini winning twice.
Valetini was also nominated alongside Jeremy Williams, read out at the end of the Rugby Australia Awards.
It’s also the first time a Queensland Red has claimed the highest honour in Australian Rugby since Chris Latham in 2006.
McReight’s win came on a remarkable defensive display that established him as one of the game's best on-ball ruck threats.
Over the 12-month eligibility period, McReight recorded 17 turnovers (per Opta), including a remarkable five against England in defeat, alongside nearly 180 tackles.
On top of that, the flanker scored six tries, his season-high at Test level.
McReight was recognised earlier in the night as Defender of the Year for his defensive prowess and scramble work against France.
The Queensland local dazzled on home soil, somehow cleaning up a certain try after a French kick through, collecting the ball on his try line and racing clear to let Max Jorgensen clear his line and save the Wallabies.
For McReight, the honour is a natural progression after sweeping the RA Awards in previous years.
He claimed Junior Wallaby Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019 to go with Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year in back-to-back years in 2023 and 2024.
"It's a tremendous honour I think. All you ever want is to be respected by your fellow mates," McReight added.
It was a big night for the Queensland Reds, with Jock Campbell claiming Super Rugby Player of the Year and Treyvon Pritchard nabbing Rookie of the Year.
Campbell earned the nod after winning the Pilecki Medal earlier in the year, before moving to Japan.
Meanwhile, Pritchard’s nod signals a bright future after a brilliant season for the Reds and Australia U20, beating the likes of Sid Harvey and Sevens star Harry Wilson.
