Kellond-Knight wins second players' award

Germany-based Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight has been judged Australia's best female footballer by her peers for a second time.

The 25-year-old has been named as Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) women's footballer of 2015 in a year of stunning achievement from the national team.

The Matildas became the first senior team to win a knockout match at a World Cup by defeating Brazil last June.

Kellond-Knight was named in the team of the tournament, and was shortlisted for the Asian Football Confederation's player of the year.

The Gold Coast native moved to Frauen Bundesliga club Turbine Potsdam after the tournament, becoming one of just a few Australian women on the books of European professional clubs.

Kellond-Knight beat five fellow Matildas to the prize: Laura Alleway, Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond, Sam Kerr and Lydia Williams.

Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan was named on Wednesday as the winner of the male award.

Kellond-Knight said she was delighted to have the respect of Australian players.

"So many great players were nominated for this award ... it is a very proud moment for me in my career," she said in a statement.

"To receive an award from your teammates is the type of recognition I value the most.

"Your teammates see you train every day and see you play every match so I think their opinion is the most valid one."

PFA executive member and Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams said "KK" was a fitting winner.

"Elise was outstanding at the World Cup and she showed the world just how good she is."

PFA WOMEN'S FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR WINNERS:

* 2010 - Servet Uzunlar

* 2011 - Elise Kellond-Knight

* 2012 - Lydia Williams

* 2013 - Sam Kerr

* 2014 - Katrina Gorry

* 2015 - Elise Kellond-Knight