Hodgson named Force's best

Versatile backrower Matt Hodgson has been rewarded for his outstanding 2009 season by winning the Force's Player of the Year Award.

Hodgson, who signed a two-year contract extension in January, polled 286 votes to finish ahead of flyhalf Matt Giteau (226) and flanker David Pocock (223).

The 28-year-old played all 13 matches for the Force during the Super 14 season and his efforts didn't go unnoticed with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans handing him his national debut against the Barbarians.

He suffered a shoulder injury in that match, which ruled him out of the subsequent Tests against Italy and France, but he has been selected in the squad for the Tri Nations.

"Winning as a team is obviously the goal, but having said that, it is rewarding to have your efforts to be recognised by your peers," Hodgson said.

"I was pretty satisfied with my form, but we had some terrific individual performers this year so it was a shock to even be in the mix really."

"I know that all the boys would swap an individual honour for a chance to play finals. Unfortunately we just couldn't get over the line in some close games this year, which probably cost us a top four berth in the end."

Pek Cowan picked up the Force Man award, David Pocock was named the Members' MVP, and young gun James O'Connor won the Rising Star award.