Wollongong Bulldogs head into grand final week with the AFL competition's outstanding player, after Tom Charles won the top award at Saturday night's presentation.

Charles collected the first grade best and fairest award for 2014 at a packed presentation ceremony at The Links, Shell Cove, to honour the season's best players and officials.

Charles polled 24 votes over the 18 rounds, five points clear of Northern Districts Tigers's Dale Perrett, with Figtree's Russell Gordon on 18 votes.

Charles was named best on ground in the grand final win over Kiama last year, with Wollongong chasing a third straight premiership flag on Saturday.

Shellharbour Suns's Brendan White collected the first grade goalkicking award with 50 goals in 2014.

Ulladulla Dockers's Jamie Clough made it back-to-back reserve grade best and fairest awards, polling 19 votes, ahead of James Millman (Wollongong) and Fred David (Figtree).

Kangaroos spearhead Fred David was the leading goalkicker with 48 goals.

Julieanne Hickmott (Bomaderry Tigers) won the Marlene Smith supporter award, and Northern Districts's Leigh Forsyth was coach of the year.

Gian Wijekulasuria took out the Golden Whistle as outstanding umpire and Tim O'Shea won the Brian Archer Encouragement Award.