WAGGA soccer journeyman Fred Gardner has been rewarded for a standout season by being named Football Wagga's player of the year.

The Tolland talent was voted by the association's coaches as the most valuable player over the course of the season, and was announced the winner at last night's gala presentation.

Playing up forward, Gardner has returned 28 goals for the Wolves in 19 games and has contributed heavily to the club's outstanding goal difference of +75.

Along with brother Henri and fellow striker Lachlan Bushby, the trio has kicked 61 goals between them this year.

Gardner, 25, has previously played at Wagga United and Lake Albert where he won consecutive Football Wagga premierships.

He is shooting for three in a row with the Wolves this season.

Football Wagga senior vice president Ian Hardinge said Gardner was a deserved winner of the top gong.

"Tolland is one of the competition's leading teams and Fred has been their highest goal scorer, so he's obviously played a big part in their season," Hardinge said.

"He's played with a number of clubs around Wagga and the teams he's played in have generally done quite well.

"I think it's no coincidence that Fred seems to play in successful teams."

Football Wagga diverted from its normal vote count system this year.

Rather than ask the referees to submit a three-two-one vote card at the end of each match, the association's senior coaches were asked to pick the best player for the season.

Hardinge believes the different system adds another dimension to the award.

"The thing about being voted by your peers is some people see the players from a different perspective," Hardinge said.

"I guess the referees provide an unbiased view, but sometimes it's the coaches and captains who actually find the best players.

"I think nobody can query or argue with any the winners selected this year."

Hardinge expects Football Wagga to revert to the referee voting system in 2015.

Meantime, Tumut co-coaches Darren Jaynoy and Chris Driscoll were named coaches of the year at last night's presentation.

Suzanne Waia from Junee was judged the best player in the Leonard Cup women's competition.