Retiring Queensland flanker David Croft has been awarded the Stan Pilecki Medal as the Reds best player for the second year in a row.

As a testament to his fighting qualities, Croft defended his 2007 players player award after being dropped for the first time in his eight-season career in round five.

The Reds stalwart secured the Pilecki Medal with 195 points ahead of England-bound fullback Chris Latham (167) and skipper James Horwill (135).

Croft, to play his last game in a Queensland jersey against the Alan Jones-coached Barbarians on Sunday, stormed back from his demotion to the bench against the Bulls and Lions by displaying career-best form over the final seven matches.

He earned the most points over the last three rounds after making the shock announcement he would retire from professional rugby.

Croft also won the award for best trainer.

Four-time Pilecki Medal winner Latham was a surprise high vote puller considering he missed almost half of the season through knee and chest injuries.

Powerful No.8 Leroy Houston was named Rookie of the Year by the Reds' coaching staff.

In-form Test winger Peter Hynes brilliant try against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium earned the Reds Magic Moment of the year after it was last month deemed the Australian Super 14 try of the year.

Pilecki Medal: David Croft 195, Chris Latham 167, James Horwill 135, Peter Hynes 115, Leroy Houston 114.

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