The feature of the luncheon was the comedy debate, with the panel arguing that ""Footy Has Gone Soft"". On the affirmative side were comedians Cath Deveny and Denise Scott along with Essendon champion Tim Watson. Arguing the case for the negative was Troy Carrington aka comedian Damian Callinan, Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton and comedian Jean Kitson.
Jane Clifton was entertaining as debate moderator and got into the spirit of the afternoon in her marshmallow inspired outfit including a stunning marshmallow necklace. Both sides put forward convincing arguments for their respective teams, but it was the affirmative team that came out on top. The louder applause from the 1200 guests signalled their victory and confirmed that footy has in fact gone soft.
Prior to the debate, the 2005 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 independent selection panel of Andrew Demetriou, Caroline Wilson and Sally Capp determined this years winner to be Jennie Loughnan, of the Kangaroos Football Club.
Loughnan started working for the Kangaroos in 1999 working in general operations, before moving into football operations where she assists football manager Tim Harrington while also acting as the clubs operations manager for the ACT.
Previous winners of the award 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)
2003 Jenny Williams (Port Adelaide Football Club).
2004 Edna Daniher (Mother of Neale, Terry Anthony and Chris & Ungarie Football Club)
