Just the fourth sportswoman to pick up the honour, the 24-year-old follows in the footsteps of Deahnne McIntyre, Cathy Freeman and Jacqueline Freney.

It is yet another accolade in the meteoric rise of the lethal striker.

In the past 12 months she was named MVP and claimed the Golden Boot in the American National Women’s Soccer League, took out the AFC Women’s Player of the Year award and the W-League Julie Dolan Medal and was included in the Best FIFA Women’s Player Top10.

In the official write up,Kerr was described as:"An engaging ambassador for all women's sport...Her love for the game and her country is infectious. While she celebrates her prolific goal-scoring ability with a trademark backflip, Sam is a well-grounded athlete who inspires young and old with her athletic prowess and sportsmanship. Sam’s star power packs out arenas around the world, and encourages young women everywhere to chase their dreams. "

Football Federation Australia Chairman Steven Lowy and Chief Executive Officer David Gallop congratulated Kerr on behalf of the entire football community.

Lowy described her behaviour on and off the pitch as an inspiration to tens of thousands of Australians, particularly young girls and boys.

“Sam epitomises all that is best about modern athletes,” Lowy said.

“She possesses great skill and courage, she has developed her talents through years of hard work and dedication, she represents her country with pride and she is a great role model for others. On behalf of everyone in football, congratulations and well done.”

Gallop said Kerr had battled injuries over the years to become one of the best female players on the planet.

“Sam wins matches and entertains at the same time…she is a great entertainer.  And she will then sign autographs and take selfies with every single person who wants one. 

“She and the other Matildas are playing a leading role in the promotion of women’s sport. The team is now ranked 4th in the world and is a real chance to win the AFC Women’s Asia Cup in Asia.  This award will only help to inspire more girls and boys to follow their dreams.”

 

Perth Glory were quick to pile on the congratulations to the club's W-League captain saying the club is "immensely proud of Sam’s achievements on the pitch both domestically and at international level and also of the way she conducts herself away from the game".

Glory CEO Peter Filopoulos said the Fremantle local was a very worthy winner.

“Everyone associated with the club is absolutely thrilled for Sam,” Filopoulos said.

“She had an incredible year in 2017 and thoroughly deserves to receive this hugely prestigious honour in recognition of her achievements.

“But her goalscoring feats and incredibly consistent form for clubs and country are only part of what make her a very special individual."

“Her dedication, commitment and work ethic, along with her humble and down-to-earth personality, make her a superb ambassador for Perth Glory and an ideal role model for all young people and young female sportspeople in particular.

“Sam has done an incredible amount to raise the profile of women’s football and women’s sport in general in this country and we’re sure that she will continue to do so in what promises to be another massive year for her in 2018.”