A DREAM come true – that was how Adam Hughes described his feelings at topping the poll in the South Wales Argus player-of-the-year competition.

Hughes got the most votes from Argus readers, beating Aled Brew into second place and Toby Faletau into third, and he follows in the footsteps of Colin Charvis, Joe Bearman (twice) and Ashley Smith as previous winners.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable, never in a million years did I think I would win this. I was going to play golf with my dad but was told to stay behind, now I know why!” said Hughes after being presented with the trophy.

“The fact that it was the fans who decided means everything because they are the ones you respect the most. It’s been an unbelievable season for me and this tops it off, it’s a dream come true.

“The fans here are the best in the league without a doubt, and I’ve been to every ground. I’ve never seen the place like it was last week after the Blues game, there were so many people outside the club wanting to talk, it made me proud to be a player.

“It’s going to be special here next season, the whole environment is changing and we’ll be flying.”

The 21-year-old has been a virtual ever present in the side in his first full season, playing in three different positions - wing, centre and full back - and missing just two of the 32 fixtures before the final one against Ulster tonight.

“Wing, 13 or 15, I enjoy them all,” he said. “I’m happy whichever position I’m playing in for the Dragons, though I do see myself as a 13 in the future.”

Hughes is, like the rest of the team, aiming to finish the season on a top note when playoff chasing Ulster visit Rodney Parade.

“Ulster is a massive game even though there’s not a lot on it for us whereas there is for them, but we want to finish the season on a massive high,” he said.

“If we can almost beat them over there there’s no reason why we can’t win here. The crowd will be our 16th man, they’ll help us to victory.”

Argus sports editor Phil Webb commented: “We had more votes than ever this year which I think reflected the region’s strong finish to the season.

“Adam Hughes is a very worthy winner having really grabbed his chance this year and been a credit to himself and his team in no less than three positions.

“Much praise should also go to Aled Brew and Toby Faletau (second and third) who also made huge contributions.

“With players of that calibre in the squad and ground improvements progressing smoothly, next season promises to be a very exciting one for the Dragons and their army of fans.”