The award, in just its second year, is handed to an individual displaying leadership, achievement as a player, commitment to fellow professionals and service and dedication to the game.

Players past and present gathered for the ceremony and listened to an emotional Johnston recall his eventful journey, both in football and outside the game.

Players to honour Johnston on the night included John Aloisi, Tim Cahill, Simon Colosimo, Ante Covic, Harry Kewell, Craig Moore, Paul Okon and Mark Schwarzer. 

Johnston spoke of his struggles to make an early impact in football, how he was too embarrassed to tell his friends that he was going to England to try his luck, his poor first impression on then Middlesbrough boss Jack Charlton and how he spent hour after hour, day after day working on his skills in Boro's club car park.

He recalled his painful exit from Liverpool due to family reasons and how he came back to England to assist families in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster.

Johnston stressed how he had wanted to represent the Socceroos but club pressures had made it all but impossible.

He also joked that it was fine for those gathered to boo him over his infamous 'surfing' comment.

He revealed that he didn't usually accept awards but joked that "the sneaky buggers (friends) got me" on this one. He said he felt deeply humbled by the award.

As for the future, the former Liverpool man revealed he shares the dream of those who want to see Australia host the World Cup.

He also had a message to those young players who are the country's footballing future. He used the example of his endless hours in that Middlesbrough car park - hours that paid off handsomely in the end. He said: "You can and you must get better on a daily basis if you're a footballer."

PFA president Simon Colosimo told au.fourfourtwo.com: "Every single person in the room was gobsmacked listening to his story. There was that 'wow' factor and seeing how much emotion there was and how much it meant to him, a great decision to recognise him in this way.

"Craig was the pioneer in terms of what coaches around the world know they can expect from an Australian player, in terms of skill AND we know he's going to work his bits off."

PFA CEO Brendan Schwab said: "Through his single minded determination and ability to succeed at the game's highest level, Craig Johnston was the catalyst that changed the thinking of Australia's best young players. For them, there was no reason why an Australian could not play at the game's greatest heights."

Colosimo was joined by Ross Aloisi, Ante Milic and David Zdrilic in receiving PFA life membership on the night.

The awards evening also saw Craig Foster presented with the PFA Medal with a scholarship to be established in his name to assist former players to get into the media.

The PFA Kimon Taliadoros Scholarships (awarded annually to two players who demonstrate excellence in their development off the field, such as through education, business or community involvement) went to Adelaide United's Daniel Mullen and Karl Dodd of North Queensland Fury - both pursuing academic studies.

Dodd has completed university studies in Education, Arts and is now applying for a Masters in Sports Psychology.  He also wants to complete his AFC Coaching Levels.