Burns was in fatanstic form throughout the campaign and played a crucial role in Phoenix's run to the finals.
"There's so many good players in the A-League now it's really hard to think you're up there with the best," a surprised Burns said.
"I've still got to pinch myself.
"It's the biggest award of the year and on a personal level it's fantastic.
"I actually thought Ben Khalfallah was going to win so when I saw his name called third I was wondering who was going to win.
"I don't how I got over the line."
Burns first burst on to the A-League scene with Adelaide United in 2006 before heading abroad with stints in Europe and Asia.
He returned home to join the Newcastle Jets in 2013 but it was with the Phoenix this season that the 27 year-old frontman really made a name for himself.
He netted an impressive 13 goals and earned a place in the Socceroos' squad, playing a key role in their triumphant AFC Asian Cup campaign.
"It was definitely a drive to come back and get back in the Socceroos," Burns said.
"That was the whole incentive in coming back to the A-League. To get back and start playing well.
"So to be called up for the Socceroos was a great honour and to be involved in the Asian Cup."
Burns credited Phoenix mentor Ernie Merrick for his form.
"The Wellington Phoenix system that I was playing in under Ernie Merrick - he really got the best out of my performance, he knew how to change me as a player and make me more attacking.
"So I think that's been the difference to the previous years."
Newcastle Jets and Matdildas star Emily van Egmond took out the W-League Player of the Year award.
Van Egmond said with the national spots up for grabs the standard was better than ever in the W-League this year.
"I think this year's W-League has been the most competitive season we've had," she said.
"Going into a World Cup year the girls are wanting to play their best with spots on the line because only 23 players get to go the World Cup.
"So it made for a very good league this year."
Van Egmond's mentor at the Jets, Peter McGuinness, was named Coach of the Year.
The 21 year-old midfielder credits him with her impressive form this campaign.
"I definitely have to pay it all to teammates and my coach this year," Van Egmond said.
"It was probably the best and most consistent year of W-League I've had and I really enjoyed playing.
"Our coach really assembled a squad that was very competitive and had a really good balance.
After leading his side to the Premiers' Plate and the A-League grand final in his first full year at the helm, Kevin Muscat was named Coach of the Year.
Adelaide United and Socceroos defender Tarek Elrich capped of a remarkable season by claiming the Goal of the Year gong for his superb indivdiual effort against Melbourne City.
Despite missing out on a grand final appearance the Reds still had something to smile about with James Jeggo awarded the Young Footballer of the Year.
Sydney FC’s Austrian Marquee player, Marc Janko, took home the Golden Boot Award as the top goal scorer for the season with 16 goals and Perth Glory’s Kate Gill was the W-League Golden Boot winner courtesy of her 12 goals throughout the season.
Glory’s Samantha Kerr picked up the W-League’s Players’ Player of the Year Award and Sydney FC’s Amy Harrison was named the Westfield W-League’s Young Player of the Year.
Adelaide's Eugene Galekovic collected the A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Award for a record fourth time and Mackenzie Arnold from Perth Glory received the W-League Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
Ashleigh Sykes from Canberra United scored the W-League Goal of the Year for her strike against Perth Glory in Round 12.
Wellington Phoenix picked up the A-League Fair Play Award for accruing the least number of yellow and red card points. Adelaide United won the W-League Fair Play Award with Brisbane Roar winning the National Youth League Fair Play Award.
Jarred Gillet was named the A-League Referee of the Year award for the second time in his career whilst Kate Jacewicz from Brisbane collected the W-League’s Referee of the Year for the fifth time.
