George Smith has taken out the Stan Pilecki Medal as the Queensland Reds’ best player in 2017.

The 37-year-old made a seamless return to Super Rugby after a three-year absence and played every Reds match this year, starting at No.7 in all but one.

He tallied 278 votes from his peers, edging out Scott Higginbotham (248) and Karmichael Hunt (198) to win the coveted award.

The announcement was made at a Queensland Rugby Union luncheon on Friday but Smith was unable to accept the medal in person as he is playing in Japan for the Suntory Sungoliath.

“I’m extremely humbled to receive the Pilecki Medal,” Smith said in a statement.

“Knowing the history of Stan and those that have won the award previously, it’s a really proud moment for me.

“There’ve been some outstanding performances this year from numerous players within our team, so to receive this accolade from my peers makes it even more special.”

It is another medal for Smith to add to his bulging collection of individual awards.

He won the Brett Robinson Medal as the ACT Brumbies’ players’ player of the season an incredible 10 times in 12 seasons, while also winning the John Eales Medal in 2002 and 2008.

Smith is contracted to the Reds for one more season.