AS captain of both New South Wales and the Wallaroos there is no doubting that Grace Hamilton is a leader, yet it was the example of her team-mates which played a crucial role in helping her be crowed the Waratahs' 2020 Super W player of the year.
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For the second season in succession the Panuara native was awarded NSW's Super W top gong, her performances at number 8 critical to her team's success.
As the Waratahs went undefeated through their round matches - something which ultimately saw them crowned champions for a third successive season as COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the finals - Hamilton inspired in both attack and defence.
She beat 20 defenders in her 49 carries, got away six off-loads and secured five turn-overs. Hamilton also crossed twice against the Brumbies.
They were efforts which saw her nudge out try-scoring machine Maya Stewart and star centre Katrina Baker for the top award. It was voted for on a three,two, one basis by the match day squad after each game.
"[It's] Quite surprising, I think a lot of girls had a great season this year and look, I think everyone played the best they could in the conditions we had. I'm really grateful just to be part of this team," Hamilton said.
"2020 was tough for me, but yeah it was really good. I just had to find some new motivation and I think those girls and the team we had really got around me and I tried to get around them as well.
"So for us, we just had a really great bond and I think that's why we came out and played great footy."
While there was pressure to help the Waratahs - who are now undefeated across three Super W campaigns - to maintain their impressive streak and for her to personally play a leading role in that, Hamilton used it as motivation.
She revealed she used a bid to improve on three key aspects of her game to drive her on.
"Now I kind of like the pressure, I kind of use it to motivate me and to prove anything to myself and to my team-mates. I want to be that person who is the best player I can be for the team and whatever role I play in that team, that's what I try and do," she said.
I want to be that person who is the best player I can be for the team.
- Grace Hamilton
"I think it's me focusing on three things a year, I try and do that and with my games I try to have those focus points and there's great coaching staff around us to help us in those little tactical areas as well, which is really important I think leading into next season and future World Cups.
"I kind want to get better at my first-in contact, my leg drive and to be honest, I don't know if I had enough games to prove that to myself.
"So I want to get better at that and my ground work, just don't be dead on the ground."
While the Super W season was ended before the grand final could be played, Hamilton's Sydney University 1 side is currently on track for Jack Scott Cup glory.
After finishing as the undefeated minor premiers, Sydney Uni posted a 22-5 win over Randwick on Friday night.
The victory sees Hamilton's side as the first into the October 17 grand final.
