Recovering from double leg surgery, Nathan Cleary accepted his first Dally M Medal from his parents' home in Penrith on Wednesday night.
The Panthers halfback finished 14 points ahead of next-best player Braydon Trindall, with a pre-recorded message shown at the gala.
He congratulated the award winners and wished the men's and women's grand finalists well, saying, "It's an amazing feat to get to the biggest day of the year and Im just wishing you guys all the best," he said. "I'd love to be out there, but you guys thoroughly deserve it. Looking forward to watching the game on Sunday."
Cleary credited his teammates for helping him earn the individual honour: "I want to start by thanking all of my teammates. None of this would be possible without them," he said.
He also thanked the coach and club staff, and said his family had supported him throughout his life and housed him while his home was being repaired.
Cleary gave a special mention to girlfriend Mary Fowler, who spends much of the year playing football in England.
"It's tough doing the long distance, but she always makes me feel supported and loved, and that's all I've ever asked for, and she's just amazing," Cleary said.
Fans praised the speech, with one writing, "So cute that he mentioned Mary."
Another commented, "Nathan is so humble. What a speech."