AFL NSW/ACT celebrates female footy

Thank you to everyone who nominated a female from their AFL community, we received a lot of fantastic responses.

The five finalists have been chosen for their outstanding leadership and tireless work within their AFL community, making them worthy winners. Each finalist have won a pink sherrin signed by some of the players from the GWS GIANTS. Congratulations to:

• Zeaona McDonagh
• Melissa Atkin
• Emma Polette
• Marelle Sharp
• Ingrid Carroll

Our major finalist winner for the women’s round competition is Zeaona McDonagh. Zeaona has been involved in AFL for over 20 years as a coach, manager and a player.

She loves to be involved in not only the teams of her five sons and husband, Mark, but also other junior teams. All of her contributions to the AFL community have been voluntary and Zeaona believes that volunteers are crucial to the success of any club.

“The countless volunteers are so inspiring, with their assistance and dedication children/people achieve their dreams,” she said.

She strongly believes in the participation of women in AFL and has coached many junior girls’ teams over the years. One of her fondest achievements is seeing children she taught basic skills to in U/10’s develop these skills and even end up playing alongside her with the Penrith Ramettes.

“I love supporting and nurturing the diversity the AFL offers in the community,” she said.

“Through football I have had the opportunity to be a Coach, manager, player and spectator.”

In keeping with the leadership theme of the 2012 AFL Women’s Round, we asked Zeaona what the key characteristics of a good leader are.

“In my opinion a good leader is someone who is approachable and have the capability to know when to listen & gather all opinions to communicate humbly to all as equals,” she said.

She would love to see women’s AFL competitions become as strong, if not stronger, than other women’s ball sports.

“Everything takes time. There was a time where it wasn’t acceptable for women to play ball sport,” she said.

 “At least now society is starting to support women and their chosen sport hobbies.”

Living in Emu Plains, Zeaona is a proud supporter of the GWS GIANTS as they help to support her local team and community in general and she admires Israel Folau for his “guts” to change over from another football code to AFL.

Zeaona and also her sons have a strong appreciation for Adam Goodes’ playing ability and skills.

As winner of this competition Zeaona has also won a ticket to the GIANTS Ladies Lunch at Doltone House.