RISING star Michael Hooper has capped a stellar 12 months to win the 2013 John Eales Medal as the Wallabies' best player.

Hooper trailed Wycliff Palu after both the spring tour and British and Irish Lions series but after the big No.8 was sidelined by injury, the Wallabies No.7 was never headed.

Hooper finished on a total of 297 votes with Palu tallying 185 and Israel Folau rounding out the top three on 177.

"It's very special," Hooper said.

"When it's such a great group of guys and you get along off the field it's good to be recognised on the field and to have guys to play out there and to go through the hard yards together.

All the glitz and glamour from John Eales Medal night

"I've had the privilege of playing with many great people ... there's so many guys I enjoy playing with every week and once you get a taste you just want more."

Hooper also picked up the Australia's Choice Award as the fans' favourite while Folau completed a remarkable debut season with the Rookie of the Year Award.

Will Genia took out Try of the Year honours for his part in Folau's maiden Test five-pointer against the Lions in Brisbane.

2013 John Eales Medal final leaderboard

Michael Hooper - 297

Wycliff Palu - 185

Israel Folau - 177

Adam Ashley-Cooper - 131

Christian Lealiifano - 102

Scott Fardy - 84

Will Genia - 80

Stephen Moore - 77

Tevita Kuridrani - 77

James Slipper - 73

Full John Eales Medal awards list

2013 John Eales Medal: Michael Hooper, NSW

Australia's Choice Qantas Wallaby of the Year: Michael Hooper, NSW

Try of the Year: Will Genia, QLD

Rookie of the Year: Israel Folau, NSW

Shawn Mackay Award Qantas Sevens Player of the Year: Con Foley, QLD

Qantas Men's Sevens Player of the Year: Con Foley, QLD

Women's Player of the Year: Sharni Williams, ACT

Joe French Award: Dr Peter Myers, QLD

Under 20s Player of the Year: Curtis Browning, QLD

Nick-Farr Jones Spirit of Rugby Award: Kerry Brady, NSW

Roger Vanderfield Award Referee of the Year: Steve Walsh, ARU

Volunteer of the Year: Micky Wilson, SA

2013 Qantas Wallabies Ultimate Fan: Trevor Hancock, ACT

See how the count unfolded in our live blog below!