Shane Smeltz

Last updated November 14, 2009

2009: Finished the A-League season with 12 goals, winning the golden boot and Johnny Warren medal for A-League player of the year. His stunning game-winner against Melbourne in round 12 was also crowned goal of the year. Transferred to expansion A-League club Gold Coast United at the end of the 2008-09 season, and was also linked to a move to Turkish clubs Genclerbirligi or Hacettepe SK. Picked up both the New Zealand and OFC player of the year awards for 2008 at an April ceremony. Scored NZ's goal in a 1-2 defeat to Tanzania. Opened the scoring against Italy (in an eventual 3-4 defeat) with a crisp 10th minute header. Named man of the match in New Zealand's 0-0 draw with Iraq to finish the Confeds Cup. Scored the winning goal as Smeltz’s new A-League club Gold Coast United beat English Premiership side Fulham in a pre-season friendly. Started the 09/10 A-League with sensational form, scoring eight goals in his first five games. Scored twice as New Zealand beat Jordan 3-1 in Amman. 

2008: Picked up where he left off at international level scoring twice in the 3-1 win over New Caledonia in Noumea as the All Whites clinched the Oceania Nations Cup with two games to spare qulaifying for both the 2009 Confederations Cup and a home and away World Cup playoff against an Asian nation. then scored twice again in a 3-0 win in Auckland to equal Keith Nelson's 30 year old record of scoring in six consecutive internationals. Was rested for the dead rubber against Fiji, missingo out on the chance to claim the record outright. Was named OFC player of 2007.

2007: Smeltz caught the imagination of the British press with his memorable double in the 2-2 draw against Wales on May 26 - not long after being released by Nationwide Conference team Halifax Town. Played the full 90 against both Costa Rica and Venezuela but given few opportunities in the 4-0 and 5-0 losses respectively. Returned home in 2007 to link up with the Wellington Phoenix for their innaugral season. Began World Cup qualifying with a goal against Fiji in Lautoka, scored the equaliser against Vanuatu in a hard-fought 2-1 win in Port Vila then netted twice in the 4-1 win over Vanuatu in Wellington. Named Nike Player of the Year for 2007.

2006: Smeltz broke his international goal-scoring duck with a well-taken goal in his 11^th international against Chile in April 26. The end of season international retirement of record All Whites goalscorer Vaughan Coveny has given Smeltz the chance to grab a starting place in New Zealand’s strikeforce alongside Chris Killen.