Gum makes history, again

By Brendan Day

One of the highlights of Monday night’s AFL Sydney Phelan Medal was the awarding of the Howarth Trophy to UNSW-ES Stingrays’ Courtney Gum.

It is the first time that the Representative Player of the Year award has been given to a female, and none were more deserving than Gum.

The UNSW-Eastern Suburbs product was one of two NSW representatives in the inaugural AFL Women’s Exhibition game on the hallowed MCG turf in July.

She also represented NSW at the 2013 AFL Women’s National Championships where she won the Debbie Lee Medal, awarded to the Division One Best and Fairest player.

Gum’s success came despite playing in a NSW side that went winless, and she was also recognised in the 2013 All-Australian Women’s Team.

“I think it’s amazing that Courtney won the award,” said Libby Sadler, AFL NSW/ACT Female Football Program Manager.

“It’s really good to see recognition for what she’s achieved this season.

“She put in an outstanding display at the Nationals, and was the highest-drafted NSW player in the exhibition game – it’s well-deserved.”

The Army AFL Sydney Women’s Division One Best and Fairest Award went to Wollongong’s Madelane Collier whilst Stephanie Walker, a member of the Premiership-winning Sydney University side, won the AFL Sydney Women’s Rising Star Award.

Walker is a product of the St Scholastica’s/Drummoyne Power Junior AFL Club, and this was her first year in the Division One competition.

“Steph really excelled for us this year,” said Sadler, also a teammate at Sydney Uni.

“She played beyond her years, and she’s definitely got a bright future in AFL.”

Sadler said the decision to hold the Sydney Women’s Division One Grand Final on the same day as the Men’s Division Two, Three and Four Grand Finals was a sign that AFL is more than just a man’s game in NSW.

“I think it’s a great step forward for women’s AFL in NSW,” Sadler said.

“It creates a greater awareness of the opportunities in AFL that are being established, and I think the level of play was pretty impressive.

“It was great to see a number of women umpiring other grand finals on the day as well.”

Amanda Farrugia of Macquarie University was rewarded for her strong play up forward with the Best and Fairest Award for Army AFL Sydney Women’s Division Two. Farrugia kicked 39 goals for the season, and also picked up the Women’s Division Two Leading Goalkicker Award.

Belinda Pride, who made headlines in 2012 by becoming the first woman to boot 100 goals in a season, was once again the Women’s Division One Leading Goalkicker, slotting 37 majors through the posts in 2013.

Both of the major volunteer awards were also claimed by women. Western Suburbs’ Barbara Dickin was presented with the Ken Ferguson Award for the Volunteer of the Year, whilst Southern Power’s Lauren Hodgson was recognised for her tireless work by being named the AFL Sydney Women’s Volunteer of the Year.

The Phelan Medal Night was hosted by AFL Game Day presenter Hamish McLachlan, with notable guests including NSW Minister for Women Pru Goward, outgoing Sydney Swans Chairman Richard Colless, GWS GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd and AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn.