Broken down with a hamstring muscle torn off the bone after a water skiing accident three years ago, the 38-year-old father of five has fought back to reclaim the Bruce Greensill Medal he won in 2005, 2008 and a decade later in 2018.

The scintillating pace which made him the most brilliant centre in the Lower Mid North Coast competition and finest the Dolphins had ever fielded, speed lost in his accident, is now replaced by strength, cunning and resourcefulness at halfback and flanker, sometimes at the lineout.

There were numerous players of quality in the Dolphins' unbeaten championship winter, most significantly their pair of heavyweight rampaging forwards, lock Blake Polson and No 8 'Hau' Honema'u, both new to the club, men who shared the 'best forward' award.

Honema'u was one of four Tongan forwards who joined the club, only for the three Latu cousins to fail to play the five qualifying games necessary for the Kennards Hire premiership play-offs.

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In the club's second season of rugby for women, the Dolphinettes endured a gruelling time of it, losing two captains in the first month and four players to season-ending injuries before the splendid Savannah Clements' appointment helped bring stability to the team.

With the spirited attacking game of Savannah and Chloe Foley, the consistency of Bianca Rugari and Demi Fox and speed of Emily Kennedy and Daniela Crowther, the club has the foundations of a strong side.

Christina Davis, victim this season of a knee injury, is a magnificent young talent.

Coach Peter Strickland and club captain, Rob Avard, who ended his playing career on a high with premiership honours, will join forces with pre-season beach training for the women to be better prepared for the game's rigours.

Whether the men's team will be a similar force remains to be seen.

Regardless, the club would be of little consequence without its splendid trio of president Damian Daczko, secretary Sue Hobbs and men's coach Ron McCarthy, all deeply involved in the Dolphins' seven premiership wins since 2008.

Men's award-winners

Bruce Greensill Medallist (Best and fairest): Tom Harris

Most improved: Nathan Johnson

Best new player: Blake Polson

Club Hardman: Chris Simon

Best team player: Jesse Logan

Most exciting player: Hau Honema'u

Leading try-scorer: Sean Hassett

Highest point-scorer: Matt Nuku

Best back: Matt Nuku

Coach's award: Gavin Maberly-Smith

Best forward (joint-winners): Blake Polson, Hau Honema'u

Bus Traveller Award: Shaun Jackson

Ruckers' Mug: Nigel Pereira

100 games award: Matt Nuku

150 games award: Colin Harris, Mark Hagarty

200 games award: Ben Manning (224), Tom Harris (221).

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