Eastlake ruckman Ben Dowdell and Ainslie small forward Nick Salter have been recognised for their outstanding seasons with selection in the NEAFL team of the year.
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Dowdell was named in the ruck while Salter was selected on the interchange bench at the competition's awards night on Sunday.
Both Canberra teams had tough seasons in the NEAFL, Ainslie finishing ninth in the 11-team competition and Eastlake collecting the wooden spoon.
Eastlake football manager Stephen Soulsby said Dowdell had been a valuable addition to the club and was looking forward to him continuing next season.
"Ben's had a really great year for the club and we've been impressed by his efforts across the season," Soulsby said.
"He's been a breath of fresh air and he's been really good in embracing the younger boys into the group.
"The boys have really brought into that enthusiasm as well and have engaged with him well."
Dowdell grew up in Nowra and represented Australia in basketball at under-20 level, before he played college basketball in the US for Santa Clara.
The 26-year-old spent two seasons on the Crows' rookie list and played in the SANFL with Central Districts and South Adelaide before being delisted in 2013.
Dowdell won a premiership in the amateur ranks in Adelaide last year, but moved to Eastlake to challenge himself in the NEAFL.
He averaged 20 possessions across half forward, with the highlight an amazing 14-goal performance against Eastlake in round two.
Salter finished with 47 goals for the season.
Salter was selected by the Power in the 2007 rookie draft, playing 21 games across six seasons before being delisted at the end of 2013.
Dowdell's selection in the NEAFL team of the year was a bright spot for Eastlake, which won just one game this season.
"This year was more about developing the younger players on the list and we certainly achieved that," Soulsby said.
"A lot of players have come along, we've got a couple guys who are going to be in the draft prospects at the end of November as well.
"That would top off the year if one or two of those guys gets picked up."
