But even the man himself wouldn't have predicted he would win the Dally M five-eighth of the year in his first season as the Canberra Raiders no.6.

Like Anthony Milford, his predecessor who is preparing for a grand final with Brisbane, Austin fell victim to his own versatility before flourishing when given a extended stint at five-eighth at a new club.

Austin finished equal eighth in the Dally M voting, and ironically Milford was one of the three nominees he beat for the five-eighth gong.

The 24-year-old was also nominated for the Provan Summons Medal, voted for by fans, which was won by Dally M medallist Johnathan Thurston.

"I think the only real time it [being branded a utility] is a good thing is probably in the rep scene, it can help you get into a few of those teams," Austin said.

"But in club footy it's great to nail down a position, I was the beneficiary of that this year.

"I remember when Ricky [Stuart, Raiders coach] called me and told me he sees me as a five-eighth, and he'd love to have me here.

"It's something I hadn't heard before as a player, I'd only been told by a lot of coaches they didn't know what position I was going to end up.

"Consistency in my position has been big and the boys showed a lot of confidence in me, it allowed me to have a good season.

"I was thrilled to be one of the four nominees and that probably would have been enough, considering where I've come in 12 months."

In a warning to opposition defences, Austin declared he is confident of avoiding second year syndrome and wants to make his outstanding season his "minimum" standard.

"I don't think it's a matter of what I need to be better at, it's knowing this has to be my minimum now and I have to build on that," he said.

"Obviously my running game is one of my strengths, that's what makes me the player I am.

"I'd hate to take away from that but strengthening my passing game is something I want to do and all halves can continue to work on their kicking games too.

"They're things I'll put a lot of effort into over the off-season.

"We were top three in attack I think. We'll get our 'd' right and be a force to reckon with."

Austin had surgery after injuring his shoulder in the penultimate round, and expects to be out of his brace in three weeks.

He will undergo rehab with his new halves partner, Gold Coast recruit Aidan Sezer, who is also recovering from a shoulder clean-out.

Austin believes Sezer will follow his footsteps and flourish in a change of scenery.

"I'm really excited about Aidan coming down, I think we'll be able to forge a good combination and being together in rehab will give us a good kick start," he said.

"Any half would love to come to our team because we've got a forward pack and big outside backs which roll teams down the park.

"He's going to enjoy the benefits of that like I have this year."