Brumbies flanker George Smith has been chosen as Australia's rugby union player of the year.

Smith, 22, picked up the John Eales Medal at a gala dinner at Randwick Racecourse.

The Wallabies star beat off competition from Queensland lock Nathan Sharpe and centre Stirling Mortlock.

The award is considered highly prestigious because it is voted for by Australia's Test players.

Smith is especially rated for his attacking moves and played a vital role in six Tests for the Wallabies in the southern winter.

Rookie award

The award was presented by Eales himself who was a member of Australia's World Cup-winning teams between 1991 and 1999.

Eales also led the Wallabies to their first series win over the British Lions.

Sharpe did not miss out on the accolades altogether as he was named as rookie of the year.

Winger Ben Tune was judged to have run over the try of the year against South Africa in July.