The 27-year-old, who has signed for new A-League club Gold Coast United, became the fifth player to win the award more than once and join a list of names which includes Christian Karambeu, Harry Kewell, Robbie Slater and Wynton Rufer.

"I've seen some of the players who have won the award in the past and I feel privileged to be part of that list," he said.

Smeltz was also named the New Zealand Player of the Year after scoring eight goals in the All Whites' six World Cup qualifiers last year.

New Zealand will qualify for the finals in South Africa if they defeat the winner of the Asian play-off in a two-legged tie.