AFL representatives, celebrities, Essendon Women’s Network members, Bomber fans and supporters from other clubs attended today’s event. AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou and wife Symone were in attendance.
Channel 10 personality Sandra Sully, Terry Bracks wife of premier Steve Bracks, Channel 7 sports presenter and 2002 Footy Woman of the Year award winner Bev O’Connor, Essendon legend Tim Watson, Kevin Sheedy, Neale and Terry Daniher were just some of the guests at the luncheon.
The feature of today’s event was the Great Grand Final Comedy Debate. This year, our panel of witty debaters argued that ""Aussie Rules Footy is the Game Played in Heaven""
On the affirmative side, debaters included Cath Deveny, writer for Rove Live; Rachel Berger, comedian and Age columnist; and Damian Callinan, Before the Game and Skithouse.
On the negative side, debators included The Hon. Justin Madden, Minister for Sport and Recreation and Commonwealth Games; Rev. Harlin Butterly, the irreverent reverend; and Tracy Harvey, comedian.
Comedian Jane Clifton, was entertaining as debate moderator and looked stunning in her angel costume, including a full set of wings. After both sides put forth-convincing arguments for their respective teams, it was the affirmative team that came out on top. The louder applause from the 1200 guests signaled their victory and confirmed that AFL is in fact the game played in heaven.
Prior to the debate, the 2004 Football Woman of the Year Award, presented by BMW Melbourne, was announced. The prestigious award offers recognition to women who have made significant contribution to the game of football. Although presented by the Essendon Women's Network, this award is open to women of all clubs. The winner is determined by an independent selection panel. This year’s selectors were Andrew Demetriou, Caroline Wilson and Bev O’Connor.
Previous winners are 1998 Irene Chatfield (Western Bulldogs Football Club), 1999 Jill Lindsay (AFL), 2000 Caroline Wilson (The Age), 2001 Katrina Pressley (AFL umpires), 2002 Beverly Knight (Essendon Football Club) and Bev O'Connor (Melbourne Football Club) and 2003 Jenny Williams (Port Adelaide Football Club).
Edna Daniher was named the winner of the 2004 Football Woman of the Year award. Edna was in attendance at the lunch with husband Jim and sons, Terry, Anthony, Chris, Neale and six of her seven daughters. Edna received a standing ovation from the ballroom when the award was announced.
""I am so honoured and overawed. I would like to thank Kevin (Sheedy) and the Essendon Football Club,"" Edna said in her acceptance speech. Click here for the full story on Edna Daniher.
