Football Woman of the Year
The Football Woman of the Year Award recognises women who have made a significant contribution to the game of Australian Football.
The award is presented by the Essendon Women’s Network, endorsed by the AFL and is open to all women associated in any way with the Australian Football industry.
Previous winners include Sue Alberti, Irene Chatfield, Debbie Lee, Jill Lindsay and the 2012 Winner Belinda Duarte. The winner of this award is announced at the Grand Final Comedy Debate at the Crown Palladium during the week of the AFL Grand Final.
Ellis is President of the Tuggernong Hawks in the ACT and has helped the club grow from strength to strength in her time as a devoted fan, Club Patron and now President.
“Being Melbourne born and bred helps explain my passion for AFL footy,” she said.
“Our family was brought up believing there was no other team, or colours, than South Melbourne, and the red and white! And as most people know, my affection for the Swans remains today.
“On settling in Canberra in the late ‘70s, and after a very brief fling with Eastlake (red and white in those days), I found the Tuggeranong team (the Tuggeranong Bulldogs back then), and have been a devoted follower ever since.
“I was very proud to be the Club Patron for a number of years.
“In today’s’ AFL world, many changes are before us, most obviously the inception of the NEAFL competition.
“We are proudly a community club, supported by hard working volunteers, offering footy to all ages and levels. I am proud to have been appointed Club President, working with a great Board of equally dedicated people.
“Nothing could please me more than to see this Club flourish and succeed. We owe it to all those juniors and others who aspire to play AFL.”
The recipient of the 2013 Football Woman of the Year Award will have demonstrated:
1. Commitment to the support and advancement of Australian Football
2. A passion for the game
3. The ability to make a difference on the football scene
4. A keen knowledge of the game, including its history and future
5. Have a current year football club membership
6. A willingness to publicly advocate diversity and the important role that women play in football
7. A sense of humour and fair play
Photo from the Canberra Times
