Brisbane Lions AFLW CEO Breeanna Brock has been named the 2018 Football Woman of the Year.
Brock was presented the award on Thursday at the annual Fujitsu General Grand Final Comedy Debate at Crown Palladium, hosted by the Essendon Women’s Network.
The Football Woman of the Year Award recognises a woman who has made a significant, positive and measurable impact to the advancement of women in the game of Australian Rules Football.
Brock is the first female CEO in the AFL, the first regional manager of the Northern Territory, and is AFL Queensland female development manager – demonstrating the opportunities for female leadership in administration in the football industry.
She was responsible for overseeing a doubling in Brisbane’s AFLW revenue in the first season, and successfully deployed a lean budget, while creating a high-performing environment and team.
Essendon Women’s Network Chair, Karen Cusack, praised Brock for the significant impact she has had on football.
“Breeanna brings a deep understanding of the game through a long career in Australian Rules football and inspires others through her passion for female participation in the game,” Cusack said.
“As the Women's CEO at the Brisbane Lions she has been integral to driving the success of the inaugural Brisbane Lions AFL Women's team.
“She is the only female CEO at an AFL Club and continues a long line of strong and influential women who champion the role of women in football.”
Head Coach East Fremantle Women’s Football Club, Nikki Harwood, was presented the VicHealth Community Award.
This award recognises a woman who works on a volunteer basis whether at local or AFL level.
Harwood has made an outstanding contribution to women’s football as a player, administer and coach.
She has played over 200 games, won 4 premierships, is a 5x All Australian and was named in the WA Women’s Football League Team of the Decade on two occasions.
In 2011 she took on her first coaching role as Head Coach of the East Fremantle Women’s team. Nikki has since coached the WAFC Female Talent Academy, four State Teams, and Collingwood Football Club in the inaugural AFLW competition.
“Nikki is the Head Coach of East Fremantle Women’s Football Club but her involvement in Australian Rules has been as a player, administrator and coach,” Cusack said.
“She is a tireless worker both at the Western Australian level and nationally.
“Nikki has worked with countless others to help them get the best out of themselves and she epitomises the characteristics of this award.”
Development Officer ACT South, Amy Dwyer, received the GO Healthy Emerging Leader Award
This award recognises a woman who is in the early stages of their Australian Rules football career and who already demonstrate clear leadership potential.
Dwyer is a Development Officer in the ACT where she works alongside local clubs and schools to create opportunities for young people to get involved in AFL.
She currently plays football at Queanbeyan Tigers, where she has won multiple best and fairest awards.
“Amy is demonstrating at a very young age the types of qualities that will make her a future leader of the game of Australian Rules football,” Cusack said.
“As Development Officer for the ACT South Region, she is already showing her ability to generate opportunities for other young people through her passion and enthusiasm.”
