Some of the AFL industry’s most talented females have today been named as finalists for the Essendon Women’s Network's prestigious 2019 Fujitsu General Football Woman of the Year award.
Shelley Ware (presenter on Marngrook Footy Show and Indigenous Affairs advocate), Rana Hussain (diversity and inclusion coordinator at the Richmond Football Club), Jess Smith (football development manager, Barwon region for AFL Victoria) and Louanne Wakefield (diversity coordinator at the Western Australian Football Commission) have all been named as finalists for the widely admired award, with the winner to be unveiled at the annual Grand Final Comedy Debate event on Thursday, September 26 at Crown Palladium.
A premier AFL-endorsed event, the Fujitsu General Grand Final Comedy Debate is the must-attend event in Grand Final week.
Hosted by MC Tiffany Cherry, the event is set to feature some of Australia’s leading comedians, while also paying tribute to the role of women in football, with the presentation of the annual Fujitsu General Football Woman of the Year, Bondi Sands Emerging Leader and Work 180 Community awards.
This year, the Royal Women’s Foundation has been named as the Essendon Women’s Network charity partner for the Grand Final Comedy Debate.
The Royal Women’s Hospital has a long and proud history as Australia’s first and largest specialist public hospital dedicated to improving women’s and newborn’s health and wellbeing.
Past winners of the Football Woman of the Year Award include: Breanna Brock (2018), Bec Goddard (2017), Daisy Pearce (2016), Jan Cooper (2015), Peta Searle (2014), Michelle Cowan (2013), Belinda Duarte (2012), Lesley McGrath (2011), Anna Durante (2010), Debbie Lee (2009), Susan Alberti (2008), Terry Bracks (2007), Barb Cullen (2006), Jennie Loughnan (2005), Edna Daniher (2004), Jenny Williams (2003), Beverly Knight, Bev O’Connor (2002 – joint winners), Katrina Pressley (2001), Caroline Wilson (2000), Jill Lindsay (1999) and Irene Chatfield (1998).
