David Pocock has left Western Force on a high after being named the Super Rugby outfit’s Player of the Year.
The Australia flanker beat retiring veteran Nathan Sharpe to the award with 261 votes – polled after each match.
He will now leave Perth to join ACT Brumbies next season and admits it was an awards dinner of mixed emotions.
“With rugby being a team sport, I’m a little bit uncomfortable with individual awards, but when it’s voted on by your teammates that’s really special,” said Pocock.
“They’re the ones you’re working hard for, the ones you need to impress and that’s where the enjoyment comes from.
“You’d always trade in a man of the match or any sort of accolades for a win but to be voted for by your peers over a season is special.
“There are definitely mixed emotions tonight. I’ve loved my time at the Force but now that’s come to an end and now it’s about hanging out with the guys I’ve been playing with for a long time.”
Pocock missed the Force’s final two matches of the season due to injury but will be back in action for the Wallabies as the inaugural Rugby Championship gets underway later this month.
In the night’s other awards, lock Toby Lynn scooped the Force Man Award, while Salesi Manu won the Rising Star Award.
Nick Cummins was also acknowledged for his consistency by receiving the Members’ Most Valuable Player Award.
2012 Western Force Award Winners
Player of the Year: David Pocock
Force Man: Toby Lynn
Rising Star: Salesi Manu
Members’ MVP: Nick Cummins
