Earlier in the night, he was awarded the Carroll & O’Dea Members Player of the Year and Steve Mortimer Rookie of the Year awards.
A Bulldogs spokesperson said despite the challenges they faced throughout the year, the event reflected the club’s unwavering commitment to their family values, growth and resilience, and celebrated the solidarity and hard work of their players and staff who went above and beyond during the season.
A humble Preston said he was “just stoked to be training full-time with first grade this year”.
“Every game to be playing first is unbelievable. I grew up the biggest footy nerd and every time I run out, I just cherish it so much,” he said.
“To be playing NRL, it’s been crazy. We didn’t have the success we had hoped for but I definitely learnt a lot of lessons out of this year.”
Also awarded on the night were: Les Johns Medal, Bulldogs Clubperson of the Year, Melanie Riccio; Community Service Award, Viliame Kikau; Coaches Award, Jacob Kiraz; Terry Lamb Medal NSW Cup Player of the Year, Jayden Tanner; Hazem El Masri Jersey Flegg Player of the Year, Lachlan Vale; Ron Massey Cup Player of the Year, Josh Kalati; Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year, Mitchell Woods; SG Cup Player of the Year, AJ Jones; Tarsha Gale Cup Player of the Year, Tarli Dennis; and Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Player of the Year, Holli Wheeler.
