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.”