MANGOPLAH-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes junior Col Sanbrook has been rewarded for an outstanding return to the Goannas by being crowned Riverina Football League's inaugural Player of the Year.

Sanbrook returned to MCUE after more than a decade away and his decision was somewhat justified by winning the RFL Player of the Year award, sponsored by Graincorp and The Daily Advertiser.

Sanbrook dominated through the midfield this season to finish on 36 votes and edge out Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka champion Brad Aiken by five votes.

The two experienced footballers swapped the lead on several occasions throughout the year before Sanbrook stormed to a handy lead courtesy of 16 votes in four games from round 14 to 17.

Sanbrook, 32, has led MCUE's resurgence this season and he polled in 10 of the 15 games he played.

In two of those games he picked up an injury and was out of action by quarter time.

Sanbrook was honoured to take the award.

"To be recognised by the coaches, from both sides, is a good thing," Sanbrook said.

"They're the ones who know more about footy than anyone so I'm happy with that."

Sanbrook revealed it was the first of these type of awards he has won during his senior career.

"This is probably one of the first times that I have played most games, every year I seem to miss a block of four to six games," Sanbrook said.

"I'm not saying that's why I haven't won one before, but it's been a while since I've played a full season."

Sanbrook, who travelled from Melbourne each week, also claimed MCUE's best and fairest after the club held its vote count last Sunday.

He said the decision to return for a season at his senior club has proven the right one.

"I've loved it," Sanbrook said.

"I've really enjoyed it and having Andrew Pettigrove has helped with the travel too.

"It seems like the year has flown."

Aiken, despite a move to defence this year, proved he is still one of the competition's best by finishing second on 31 votes.

He was the only defender in the top 10.

Another big effort was produced by Leeton-Whitton utility Ben Curley.

He finished on 28 votes despite the Crows' winning just three games for the year.

Coolamon captain Jamie Maddox was next on 25, ahead of CAK pair Brent Arho and Chris Gordon.

RFL Player of the Year award

Final leaderboard

Col Sanbrook (MCUE) 36

Brad Aiken (CAK) 31

Ben Curley (Leeton-Whitton) 28

Jamie Maddox (Coolamon) 25

Brent Arho (CAK) 24

Chris Gordon (CAK) 23

Peter McGrath (Coolamon) 22

Guy Orton (Griffith) 18

Nick Ryan (Wagga Tigers) 18