There was a strong belief Rhyce Shaw would make an exceptional coach even before the 243-game premiership defender took over the reigns of the NEAFL Swans last season.

As John Longmire said in a speech delivered at last year's Club Champion Dinner: "Rhyce was the ultimate teammate and will be a great addition ot the coaching department."

That belief was solidified on Sunday night after Shaw took out the 2016 Coach of the Year accolade awarded at the NEAFL MVP Awards Ceremony in Sydney.

Shaw's ability to take his younger teammates under his wing and unearth their potential was a feature of his playing career and now everyone is seeing the 34-year-old translate that into his coaching philosophy.

He was chosen by NEAFL commentators at the halfway stage of the season as the man to take out award by year's end, having had to that point in time 10 wins and only one loss.

Strong form continued throughout the remaining rounds to see Shaw lead his side to a ladder leading 15-3 win-loss record, the same record achieved by the Swans' grand final team of 2014.

His side could not be in a more better position to have a serious tilt at claiming the Club's first premiership in the combined competition.

Alongside Shaw, five players earned a place in the 2016 NEAFL Team of the Year.

On the back of brilliant seasons Jordan Foote (wing), Brandon Jack (wing), Nic Newman (half-back flank), Toby Nankervis (interchange) and Colin O'Riordan (interchange) won their way on the 23-strong list.

Inside midfielder and a fierce tackler, Foote was the best placed Swan in the MVP voting, finishing ninth at the end of the count with 57 votes.

Nic Newman finished in 11th place overall on 51 votes.

The award was won, for the second time, by Aspley midfielder Matthew Payne.