Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe has been crowned the AFL Players’ Association Most Valuable Player for the 2014 season.

Now in its 32^nd year, the award remains the only one decided by those who know the game best – the players, and is thus held in incredibly high regard throughout the league.

Fyfe beat a star-studded list of players including six-time winner Gary Ablett Jnr, Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin and Sydney teammate Josh Kennedy,

The Freo midfielder enjoyed a sensational season, dominating a number of games throughout the year.

He said afterwards it was very humbling to be acknowledged by his peers.

“Firstly, it’s just a real surprise, the recognition is really humbling, that’s the highest recognition you can get against the guys that you go out to war with each week,” Fyfe said.

“I’m really grateful to everyone that did vote for me.”

Fyfe said it was special to have the award announced by the player whom it is named after, the legendary Leigh Matthews.

“Leigh is someone whose footy I didn’t see much of because it was before my time, but his footy opinion I still value really highly and I know Ross Lyon does as well, so again it’s very humbling,” he said.

The 22-year-old said the list of previous winners had also left him a bit overwhelmed.

“It sent a bit of a shiver down my spine watching some of those guys, Wayne Carey and the Abletts, guys that I grew up idolising, so it’s a little bit surreal to be on that list,” Fyfe said.

While he was ecstatic with the AFLPA MVP award, Fyfe acknowledged the role his teammates played to help him win.

There was one player he singled out as a massive influence on his performances.

“I have to start with Aaron Sandilands, who has helped fast track me into the midfielder I am with his first use (at the stoppages),” Fyfe said.

“He’s such a great leader to play under and alongside, as well as David Mundy, Michael Barlow and Stephen Hill, our midfield which has played a lot of footy together now and helped make me the player I am.”

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich, who has been heavily involved with the AFLPA for a number of years, was proud of Fyfe and said the award meant a great deal to the players.

“We take it incredibly serious, the voting process, and that stems from the first point when we nominate players from our own team and then vote for the MVP from the entire playing group in the AFL,” he said.

“Whoever wins it is always a very good player and has had a very good year.

“For Nathan to win it is fantastic and great reward for a lot of hard work that he’s put in.”

Pavlich said what had impressed him most about Fyfe’s game this season was how consistent he had become and his maturity.

“With his skill, he fights through some tags, his competitive edge has always been a strength of his and he’s really drawn on that a number of times to drive the group and he’s become a leader in his own right,” he said.