Smeltz's wife Nikki posted two graphic pictures of the New Zealand international before the surgery which showed the extent of the injury.

The Glory striker was decked quarter of an hour into the decider after a collision with Brisbane defender Matt Smith.

Smeltz's nose was broken in the incident where play was halted for several minutes after the impact which saw blood streaming out of the Glory man's nose from a cut running from the the lip to the nostrils.

After the game, Nikki Smeltz tweeted: "Ok we're out of hospital and @shanesmeltz has over 50 stitches! As Bad as a car accident injury! Tough man... If I say so myself."

She later added that Smeltz had his lip and nostril all ripped and said "basically the whole nose is detached", before revealing she had to leave the room as the surgery continued due to its graphic nature.

Smeltz said on Monday it was the hardest game he's ever got through due to the pain he suffered.

“I’m a bit sore but the pain killers are keeping me good at the moment,” Smeltz said.  “In terms of pain, it was the hardest game I have had to get through.

“With the blood continually dripping and the bandages, it was tough to breathe when I was running.  I’d like to  thank the plastic surgeon who treated me and everyone for their messages of support.”