The Steelers defeated Canada in the final last August, becoming only the second country in history to hold the World Championship and Paralympic titles concurrently.

Also nominated for the award, due to be presented at the Melbourne Museum on February 11, is Australia's netball team, gold medallists at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and Australia's men's hockey team, winners of the World Cup, as well as the Commonwealth title.

The inaugural ASPAs recognise Australia's leading athletes, teams, coaches, and celebrate their outstanding achievements in sport.

"The old AIS Awards have been won by some great athletes but the timing is right to expand the pool of talent eligible to win some of the country's most prestigious sports awards," AIS director Matt Favier said when announcing The Steelers nomination. 

"The new ASPAs capture the flavour of what the AIS is now all about and the awards align with Australia's Winning Edge plan which involves supporting more sports than ever before."

Australia's wheelchair rugby team are the reigning Paralympic champions ©Getty Images



Favier added: "We asked national sporting organisations to nominate athletes, coaches and leaders as well as community clubs and volunteers to ensure we are recognising all levels in Australian sport.

"It is very important that we publicly acknowledge the hard work and achievements of people involved in Australian performance sport."

The Steelers have also been nominated for the Para Performance of the Year and the Sport Performance of the Year, which is one of two people's choice awards along with the Sport Personality of the Year.

To cast your vote, visit the AIS website by clicking here.

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