Easts fell short of their first finals appearance in 10 years, but the foundation John I Dent Cup club capped off a season of revival with a drought-breaking individual prize on Wednesday night.
Easts skipper Jacob Abel and tireless Gungahlin lock Jake Helgesen were named the joint MacDougall Medallists at an end of year Canberra premier rugby function.
Jacob Abel won the MacDougall Medal for the first time.
Photo: Elesa Kurtz
It's the third year in a row the medal has been shared between multiple recipients and signalled a changing of the guard given neither Easts or Gungahlin will play in the grand final on Saturday.
Abel was the leader of a rejuvenated Easts side, which snapped a 1106-day losing streak in the opening game of the season and went within a whisker of clinching a play-off berth for the first time since 2008.
Helgesen was the consistent figure in Gungahlin's pack, which made a late-season charge before being knocked out of title contention in the preliminary final last weekend.
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Both Easts and Gungahlin took massive steps forward in their development this season as both attempt to breakthrough for grand final spots.
Gungahlin lock Jake Helgesen was a joint-winner of the Canberra rugby best and fairest award.
Photo: Dion Georgopoulos
Easts haven't played in a grand final since 2008 and haven't won a title since 1947, while Gungahlin hasn't played in a grand final since 2007 or won the first-grade trophy since 2003.
Tim Cornforth took the Easts reins this year and the former Royals star teamed up with Abel to give the club hope for the coming seasons.
Gungahlin capped off a double of the major awards when prop Tom Ross was named the ACT under-20s player of the year, while competition powerhouses Gungahlin took charge in the others.
Tuggeranong fullback Brendon Taueki was the first-grade highest try-scorer in his first year back in rugby union following a stint playing rugby league, while Royals scrumhalf Pedro Rolando was the highest point-scorer.
Royals coach Wayne Southwell was named coach of the year and he will attempt to lead his side to back to back titles in the decider.
MACDOUGALL MEDAL WINNERS
MacDougall Medallists: Jacob Abel (Easts), Jacob Helgesen (Eagles)
Under-20s player of the year: Tom Ross (Eagles)
Highest try-scorer: Brendon Taueki (Vikings)
Highest point-scorer: Pedro Rolando (Royals)
Coach of the year: Wayne Southwell (Royals)
Referee of the year: Matt Hogan
HS Quinn Trophy for services to rugby: Linda Rummery (Eagles)
Anderson Trophy for Sportsmanship: Dave Bennett (Owls)
Monaro rep player: Mark Poplin (Boorowa)
First division player of the year: Craig McMahon (Royals)
Second division player of the year: John Steele (Bungendore)
Volunteer of the year: Peter Chapman (Vikings)
