They proved the top side but there were outstanding individual efforts across all clubs, from Hawks who dug East Wagga-Kooringal out of a mid-season hole to within a few kicks of a flag; Bombers who kept a vastly-changed Marrar up near the top; the efforts that took Coleambally back to finals; Kangaroos who kept Temora among the contenders; the Two Blues who inspired Barellan's competitiveness; not to mention the Pies, Jets and Bushpigs who turned up and delivered week in and week out.

However, there's only room for 21 in the DA Team of the Year. Here they are:

Will Reinhold (Temora)

The Temora young gun stamped himself as a player of the future, a player to build a team around, with remarkably consistent performances for the Kangaroos. Reinhold's skills, vision and work rate, particularly across half-back were superb and he was recognised and rewarded with a top-five finish in the Clear Medal.

Brayden Skeers (North Wagga)

Often outsized, Skeers was rarely outplayed, out-marked or out-run. A quiet achiever, tasked with some of the biggest, best and most dangerous targets in the league, Skeers usually came out on top. Integral to the Saints' tight back six, he inspired the trust in their plan of attack from the back.

Trent Garner (East Wagga-Kooringal)

The talented Hawk is another who enjoys the absolute faith of his teammates for his ability to read the play and his opponents, and he didn't let EWK down. A rock at the back for the runners-up, Garner was regularly among their key contributors in victory.

Ben Alexander (North Wagga)

The enigmatic Saint took his game to a new level. Was given extra responsibility across half-back with Troy Curtis switched forward and relished taking games apart with run, speed and confidence. Fittingly, he delivered an inspired performance on grand final day as they powered to an unforgettable win.

Max Richardson (Temora)

The Canberra-based centre-half-back delivered in spades in his first season in the league, handling virtually every assignment he was given. Strong, clever and consistent, Richardson was the foundation of Temora's defence and brought a real professionalism in his approach.

Tom Morton (Coleambally)

The Blues' cult figure wins himself a spot again for his ability to impose himself on the game, and intercept-mark to turn an opposition around. Was key in keeping Coleambally in games, and winning them, and only just missed out on a second club best-and-fairest, by one vote to Curtis Steele.

Lachie Moore (CSU)

Moore was Mr Reliable at CSU, consistently bringing his best to the Bushpigs' midfield brigade. The team's season was up and down but Moore showed how his teammates what it takes with a sharp and determined approach to every game and every contest, that won him the club best-and-fairest.

Curtis Steele (Coleambally)

Steele drove the Blues' return to the top five with his brilliant attack on the footy in the middle or proving hard to hold when going forward. As well as winning Coleambally's best-and-fairest, he enjoyed a top four finish in both the player of the year award and the league medal and was stunning for the representative team.

Cayden Winter (North Wagga)

Close to the perfect season from Saints' co-captain. Won a premiership and best-on-ground in the grand final, the player of the year award voted by coaches, and runner-up in the Clear Medal. Can win the hard ball and get on the outside, and was North Wagga's b-and-f after he was in their best in 16 of 19 games. Also booted 20 goals along the way.

Zach Walgers (Marrar)

If there was a risk he was under-rated before 2019, it won't be the case again. In a team that lost some key position players, Walgers was right at home playing tall as their main target forward, kicking 53 goals. Elusive, skilful and smart, he was part of the Bombers' top trio who steered their season. Also went through the middle capably when needed.

Jacob Turner (Temora)

Turner's safe hands, football smarts and strength made him a major factor in any team's preparation to take on Temora. When he was given an inch he could be devastating. Kicked 26 goals from half-forward and was regularly among their best.

Chris Gordon (EWK)

The little general was back to his best with an outstanding season, whether directing traffic for the Hawks or getting his hands on the footy himself. Was extremely consistent even in an injury-induced slump for the team and brilliant when they hit their straps in two finals wins. Club best-and-fairest and runner-up in the player of the year award.

Matt Wallis (Northern Jets)

An eleventh hour recruit for the Jets, Wallis made an immediate impact with eight goals in his first two games. Showed his quality as a key forward throughout to finish with 51 for the year in a team that won five games. A big factor in keeping them in touch with the top five for much of the year.

Chris Ladhams (EWK)

At 38, the ex-AFL player's experience and ability to use his body helped him to 68 goals and the league goalkicking honours. Was averaging better than five goals a game for the first seven weeks and was masterful in the semi-final win to get them to a grand final.

Sean Ellis (Barellan)

Injury cost Ellis a few games, but not a second best-and-fairest (shared with ruckman Shaun Allan). The speed at which he plays the game and attacks the footy keeps opponents on edge and Barellan in games. Kicked 23 goals along the way and was aided by Allan and Ben Maiden's arrival.

Nick Molkentin (Marrar)

Molkentin was a tower of strength for the Bombers, carrying the ruck duties almost singlehandedly in all 19 games as well as proving brilliant around the ground. When Marrar were in trouble he was invariably there in the backline to turn things around and when they were on top, the mids were feeding off him.

Mitch Haddrill (Northern Jets)

Haddrill's introduction to coaching was a baptism of fire with the Jets' depth and numbers a concern. But he didn't let it affect his game and was a shining example of leadership. A model of consistency, he won his second Gerald Clear Medal, this time combining it with a club best-and-fairest in a classy midfielder's season.

Jackson Moye (Marrar)

Took on the captaincy at the Bombers who underwent generational change, and took his game to a whole new level. Tough and brilliantly consistent, Moye barely missed a beat all year, taking a relatively inexperienced outfit side close to another grand final and showed young teammates what it takes.

Troy Curtis (North Wagga)

Once the Saint's defensive general, Curtis switched forward after two key targets were lost to season-ending injuries. And didn't he deliver, proving a headache for defenders with his fitness and presence. Kicked 37 goals and put himself in position to kick plenty more. Delivered in the GF with five in a starring performance on the biggest stage.

Jim Carroll (TRYC)

Carroll had a fine season in the midfield for The Rock-Yerong Creek, becoming the first player in four years to beat Tom Yates in the club vote count. Won plenty of football and kept the heat on opponents too in what was a tough year for the Pies. Also outstanding in the Farrer League rep team.

Nick Hull (EWK)

Injuries hampered the Hawks' big man and multiple league-medal winner but he was still impossible to leave out. Despite not looking comfortable, he imposed himself on games particularly late in the year when they might have faded but instead powered into a grand final with three massive efforts led from the middle.

Kirk Hamblin (North Wagga)

In his fourth, and final, season as coach at North Wagga, Hamblin wrote his name into the record books as the man who ended a 25-year premiership drought for the Saints. They overcame injuries and were willing to mix things up to find the winning formula and continue their progression, ultimately claiming the flag that eluded them last year.

The 2019 season closes another fantastic decade of football in the Riverina. To mark the occasion, The Daily Advertiser will be naming its own Team of the Decade from 2010-19. If you have any thoughts or want to have a go, send it through to sport@dailyadvertiser.com.au