The award has been presented since the 2009–10 season and the winner is chosen by a vote amongst the members of the players' trade union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).

The current holder is Sam Kerr, who won the award on 17 July 2023.

The first winner of the award was Sydney FC goalkeeper Servet Uzunlar.

As of 2020, Sam Kerr, Elise Kellond-Knight, and Lydia Williams have won the award on multiple occasions, and only Kerr has won the award in consecutive seasons.

The award has been presented on eleven occasions as of 2023, with six different winners.