Pioneering President recognised

This weekend is AFL Women’s Round and it is particularly significant for Debbie Brookfield, President of the Illawarra Lions, who has followed her passion for football right through to her current role.

“I’ve basically followed my boys through junior footy, having been a secretary, treasurer and registrar at different times with Kiama Junior AFC, as well as being involved as a volunteer in the local representative footy program,” she said. 

“When my eldest son moved into the Lions Under-18s I slowly extricated myself from the junior club and initially took on the Treasurer role at the Lions.  The move to President last year seemed a logical move after so many years involved in club committees, and I was pleasantly surprised by the level I support I received from the playing group. 

“I’m working on building closer relationships with the local leagues that operate under the AFL South Coast banner as well as focussing on strategies to build the club for the years to come.  Clubs don’t run on their own, there is a lot of work that needs to be done behind the scenes, and my philosophy has always been to help ensure that the clubs that my children are involved with will provide a stable environment for them to be able to participate and, if they desire, achieve to the best of their ability.”

Brookfield believes the AFL community has been more accepting of women in recent years.

“Absolutely. I’ve certainly been well supported in all the years I have volunteered in AFL and while I can’t speak for every female volunteer, I have rarely experienced and anti-female sentiments towards my involvement from members of the AFL community,” she said.

“It is a credit to AFL that this culture exists and I sincerely hope that my experience is shared across other sectors of the AFL community.  There seems to be a groundswell of player participation in recent years too, which is well supported by AFL NSW/ACT.

“The Lions have a good relationship with the local women’s team, the Saints and have endeavoured to help them wherever possible with facilities and game day volunteers, especially when we are playing together.”

Brookfield is keen to see the club go forward in future years.

“Our aim is to build a strong, competitive playing base across Under-18s and Seniors that provides an environment for players in the Illawarra and South Coast to play at the highest level,” she said.

“There is a definite need for a playing environment that provides an accessible pathway to the AFL for the many talented juniors in the region who would otherwise have to travel long distances for every training session and game for the opportunity to play at the standard provided by the Sydney Premier Division.”