GIANTS defender Matt Buntine has won an unexpected crown, being named the Cleo Bachelor of the Year.

Buntine was named the winner of the annual competition on Wednesday night at Darlinghurst’s ARQ.

The 22-year old was supported by team mates Josh Kelly, Jack Steele, Adam Kennedy, Nick Haynes and James Stewart at the event.

He joins a long list of distinguished winners of the award, including radio funny man Andy Lee, celebrity chef Hayden Quinn, actor Eric Bana and former Hawthorn star Dermott Brereton.

Buntine is sure to cop some grief from his team mates, but a novelty cheque with $5000 written on it and a trip for two to Vietnam should ease the pain.

Cleo Magazine painted the picture perfectly of when Buntine walked in to the photo shoot for the competition a few months ago:

"When Matt Buntine arrived at CLEO’s Magic Mike XXL themed Bachelor of the Year shoot, the down-to-earth AFL player surveyed the hordes of wet and shirtless babes and had the following to say. 'I don’t really know why I’m here. Maybe I was the last choice… the pity vote?'

"As soon as Matt whipped his shirt off to get doused in water obligingly, it became evident a) why he was there and b) that he wasn’t about to become anyone’s pity vote.

"Three words: those abs, though. But it was when we actually sat and chatted to Matt – while his shirt was still on, unfortunately – that we came over all *heart eyes*." 

On behalf of the GIANTS, thanks to all the fans who supported Buntine by voting for him.