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It has been an interesting inaugural season of Goulburn Murray Cricket competition and the ante is only set to increase with the preliminary and grand finals still to come.

With many teams finished their campaign, it is time to unveil the Riv team of the season, which was determined by the number of times players were selected in the team of the week.

A total of 81 players were selected in the team throughout the season.

Final tally

Seven selections: Keith Chalmers (Echuca South), Jordan Souter (Tongala), Adam Ward (Rochester Tigers), Alec Young (Stanhope).

Six: Taylor Beard (Echuca), Colin Griggs (Rochester United), Adam Nunn (Tongala), Greg Pearse (BLU).

Four: Andrew Elborough (Fire Brigade), Daniel Kent (Fire Brigade), Simon Maddox (Echuca), Dave Newman (Fire Brigade), Paul Newman (Fire Brigade), Darin Ohlsen (Tongala), Jake Perry (Rochester United), Brendan Prendergast (Echuca), Ralph Siede (Moama).

The team

1. Adam Ward (Rochester Tigers)

The young gun had a superb season and was selected in the team of the week six times. Ward took the competition by storm early on, whacking scores of 76 and 92 against Fire Brigade and Tongala, before registering arguably the most complete game of the season — 133 and 5/31 Bunnaloo in the first two-day game.

2. Paul Newman (Fire Brigade)

The Flames would have been pleased with the decision of Newman to return to the club from Old Students for the inaugural GMC season, with the opener producing a consistent season at the top of the order. Newman struck four half-centuries and often toiled hard with the ball to boot.

3. Greg Pearse (BLU)

Ever-reliable, Pearse had another solid year for BLU and although he relinquished the captaincy, he was still a constant source of leadership. Pearse added four half-centuries to his name during the season and went wicketless only once, filling a handy role.

4. Taylor Beard (Echuca)

The young all-rounder had a consistent start to the season, but it was not until December when he had big impacts in games. Beard had five scores over 30, but it was combined with his wicket-taking abilities in which he shined. A haul of eight wickets over two innings against Bunnaloo, as well as a run of 13 wickets over three rounds ensured his inclusion.

5. Adam Nunn (Tongala)

The Tongala captain provided with both bat and ball for his team throughout the season. Playing at second drop, Nunn was a valuable contributor to add nearly 200 runs in his first four appearances, before proving influential on the other side of the ledger in the second half of the season with many wickets at a good economy.

6. Alec Young (Stanhope)

The off-spinner was one of the first names on the team of the year list after being one of three players to make seven weekly appearances. Young was a model of consistency for the Lions, regularly striking with the ball and providing a steadying middle-order hand when batting, often producing timely partnerships.

7. Jordan Souter (Tongala)

The all-rounder’s bowling performances were the main reason for his appearance in the weekly team seven times, but coupled with his aggressive and match-winning batting he becomes a force to be reckoned with, either opening the batting or lower down the order.

8. Jake Perry (Rochester United)

Although missing in action for the past month, the all-rounder has enjoyed a spectacular GMC season after moving to the club from Rushworth. Perry had a terrific start and backed it up with impressive figures with bat and ball.

9. Keith Chalmers (Echuca South)

Although he had a slow start, the captain enjoyed a superb season in 2012-13. Opening the batting with a solid defence and opening the bowling with accurate pace, Chalmers was easily the Swans’ most consistent player in a season it which it only recorded one win.

10. Daniel Kent (Fire Brigade)

An incredibly consistent year for the all-rounder, making an impact when batting almost as often as when sending the ball down the pitch. Kent picked up wickets every time he bowled, finishing with 7/65 against Moama in the final round.

11. Colin Griggs (Rochester United)

The English recruit was an unknown factor coming into the inaugural GMC season, but it did not take him long to make his mark. The paceman set the competition on fire early, taking 7/21 cumulatively in his first three matches and other dominant performances were displayed throughout the season.