David Smith takes out Force award
French-bound winger David Smith's barnstorming finish to the Super Rugby season was enough to secure him the Western Force Player of the Year award.
Smith scored 92 of his 212 votes in the final four matches of the season to finish 51 ahead of rising star Sam Wykes, who enjoyed his best ever placing.
Star Wallabies back James O'Connor, who has since moved to the Rebels, was third with 157 points, while David Pocock (145) and skipper Nathan Sharpe (130) rounded out the top five.
Smith, who was the Force's marquee signing this year but has already announced his move to Toulon, scored five tries for the season, including braces against the Brumbies in round nine and Highlanders in round 15.
"I just don't know what to say right now, I'm just pretty shocked but honoured to have been given the Player of the Year award," Smith said.
"I'm proud that I was able to give something to the team, it has been special to be part of such a great group of boys at the club."
The Force Player of the Year is a peer-voted award with each member of the match day 22 allocating votes on a 3,2,1 basis following a game.
O'Connor's strong season, which yielded 170 points, was rewarded with the Members' MVP award.
Emerging West Australian prop Kieran Longbottom took home the Force Man award in recognition of both his development on the field and his commitment to growing rugby in his home state.
The Rising Star award went to utility back Patrick Dellit, who made a sizeable impression in his debut season.
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