TULLIBIGEAL-Lakes United fullback Jaden Kelly suspects it may take until after retirement before he fully appreciates what it means to be named the best footballer in Group 20.

Kelly took out the Process Printers Player of the Year Award on Friday night after a tight vote count at the association's presentation dinner at Griffith Southside Leagues Club.

The 27-year-old was tied with West Wyalong player-coach Rohan Loudon and Waratahs fullback Johnny Teleaga on 22 votes with one round remaining.

West Wyalong had a bye in the final week of the season, which ended Loudon's chances of adding to his tally.

Waratahs scored a 50-8 victory over Hay in the last round, with Teleaga landing two votes for his performance.

But Kelly trumped his rival by turning in a man-of-the-match display in TLU's final game against Griffith Black and Whites to earn three points.

A joint winner of the award in 2010, Kelly said he didn't feel entirely comfortable in the spotlight.

"It's nice, but it's a little bit embarrassing at the same time," he said.

"I'll put it (the trophy) in the cabinet there somewhere and it'll collect a bit of dust.

"It's something to look back on in later days when you're a bit older, I guess."

Kelly credited his Sharks teammates for his success.

"They've been great all year, especially the forwards," he said.

"They've been laying the platform all year.

"Hopefully we can keep playing well for these next few games and get the premiership."

As well as the night's main honour, Kelly also collected trophies for the highest points scorer, goal kicker and try scorer in first grade.

Rachael Pearson (Hay, league tag), Joshua Fattore (DPC, under 16), Harry Cromelin (TLU, reserve grade) won their division's respective Player of the Year awards, while Billy Gilbert (Leeton), Rhys Wilesmith (Leeton) and Trey Eldridge (DPC) shared the honour in the under 18s.

Gilbert was named the Rising Star, Dylan Hately took out the Group 20 Rookie of the Year and Mark Stenhouse claimed Referee of the Year.

West Wyalong and Leeton shared the Club Championship, while Leeton's Roy Nichols was named Volunteer of the Year.