McAuley was handed the award at the players awards evening which took place at the Gresham Sports and Social Club, finishing some way ahead of second placed Damien Delaney.
On loan central midfielder Jack Colback who won the Players Player of the Year award last week finished third in the supporters poll in a successful season for the England youth international who is on loan from Steve Bruce's Sunderland.
Meanwhile Tom Eastman, who was sent off this afternoon in the 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United for a second bookable offence was handed the Dale Roberts award for the academy player of the year.
Click here to view a review of Gareth's season
Click here for a full list of past winners.