Green polled 25 votes to win the award, nine points ahead of his nearest rival, but his team mates and coach believed he had it wrapped up at the halfway mark.

“We were fairly confident he would win and every game he was the stand out player,” coach Mark Adams said.

“By halfway he was on 17 and the rest were still on eight. It’s great for the club and Shaun to get recognition and opposition players and coaches said it was thoroughly deserved.”

Green did not believe he would win the award but was thankful.

“It’s humbling and I’ve had a lot of support from the club, family and friends,” Green said.

“I didn’t think I would receive it but it’s a big achievement.”

The 30-year-old ruck rover grew up in Batemans Bay before leaving to join the Australian Army at 18.

He returned when he was 25 and coached Batemans Bay the past two seasons.

Green said he relished his step back this into his role as a senior player this season.

“It was one of my best years in a long time, especially back at the Seahawks” he said.

“Coaching tends to create a bit too much on your mind with match ups.”

Adams agreed that Green’s season with “no labels” improved his football.

“He had the reign to play the football he wanted,” Adams said.

“It’s a sign of a successful season even if he doesn’t play for personal accolades.”

Like most individual award recipients in team sports, Green would have preferred to share a premiership with the Seahawks.

“We had a few sour pills at the end of the season but it’s a boost and a credit to my season,” he said.

“I would have preferred 21 mates and I wearing a premiership medal.”