The champion back-rower collected his second medal despite only playing eight of the 13 Tests during the voting period, which began on last year's spring tour of Japan and Europe.

Pocock dominated the medal count, amassing 262 votes - 123 more of runner-up Lukhan Tui - to underline his immense value to the Wallabies after his 2017 sabbatical.

"It's very special," the 30-year-old said.

"I've loved being back in the Wallabies jersey this year. It's an outstanding group. We haven't got the results that we're after but we're working on it."

The workhorse forward also reinforced his standing in the eyes of Wallabies supporters by taking out the fan's choice award as Wallabies player of the year.

"Individual awards in teams sports are always a bit awkward. Your teammates are the guys you want to play well for. It's a huge honour but it feels a bit strange," Pocock said.

Having also snared the John Eales Medal in 2010, Pocock joins fellow Wallabies greats George Smith, Nathan Sharp and current captain Michael Hooper as a dual winner of Australian rugby's highest individual honour.

Only superstar code hopper Israel Folau, with three gongs, has won more.

A host of other stars were recognised at Friday night's awards at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, including Queensland Reds prop Taniela Tupou, who was named Super Rugby player of the year.

Rugby Australia Awards 2018 award winners:

HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Ian Frame (Knox Rugby Club)

HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Tilly Vlok (Box Hill Rugby Club)

Roger Vanderfield TNT Referee of the Year: Angus Gardner

Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award: Scott Fardy

Joe French Award: Ron Graham

Geoff 'Bunter' Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award: Matthew Chapman (Miami State High)

Under 20s Player of the Year: Fraser McReight (Queensland)

Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year: Taniela Tupou (Qantas Wallabies)

Rugby Australia Try of the Year: Taqele Naiyaravoro v Rebels (Round 5 - Super Rugby)

Buildcorp Super W Player of the Year: Shanice Parker (NSW Women)

Vodafone Super Rugby Player of the Year: Taniela Tupou (Queensland Reds)

Australia's Choice - Qantas Wallaby of the Year: David Pocock

Buildcorp Women's XV Player of the Year: Emily Chancellor

The Shawn MacKay Award - Men's Sevens Player of the Year: Ben O'Donnell

The Shawn MacKay Award - Women's Sevens Player of the Year: Evania Pelite

John Eales Medal: David Pocock

JOHN EALES MEDAL WINNERS

2002: George Smith

2003: Phil Waugh

2004: David Lyons

2005: Jeremy Paul

2006: Chris Latham

2007: Nathan Sharpe

2008: George Smith

2009: Matt Giteau

2010: David Pocock

2011: Kurtley Beale

2012: Nathan Sharpe

2013: Michael Hooper

2014: Israel Folau

2015: Israel Folau

2016: Michael Hooper

2017: Israel Folau

2018: David Pocock

Australian Associated Press