The Football Woman of the Year Award presented by Chemist Warehouse recognises women who have made a significant contribution to the game of Australian football. Announced at the Liptember Grand Final Comedy Debate, the award is open to all women associated in any way with the Australian football industry. Previous winners have included Dr Sue Alberti AO, Irene Chatfield, Debbie Lee, Jill Lindsay, Belinda Durate, Michelle Cowan and 2014 winner Peta Searle.

The following are the nominees for the Honorary Category, which represent the women who are not remunerated for their work in football. 

Rebecca Goddard – NEAFL Assistant Coach, Ainslie Football Club

No single person has been involved with the ACT Women’s AFL more or volunteered more of their time to women’s football in Canberra than Rebecca Goddard. She has made every effort to give back to her respective Leagues by volunteering an enormous amount of time and energy to various League committees. Rebecca’s passion for AFL doesn’t end there as she is also a distinguished umpire of women’s and men’s football.

Sophie Edwards – Recruitment Liaison Officer, Tasmanian Health Organisation

Sophie has been an executive on the Tasmanian Women’s League, Manager of the Tasmanian Female State Programs and Board member of the Burnie Dockers, Tasmanian State League. Her effort’s in promoting female football in the North West has resulted in more than 60% of high schools including a female football team. Sophie has been instrumental in recruiting talented athletes from the school programs to State league level.

Show your support for the great work being done by these outstanding women and purchase your ticket for the Grand Final Comedy Debate today.