Roleystone JFC volunteer wins AFL Community Volunteer of the YearTuesday, August 26, 2025 - 9:51 AM - by Jordan McArdle

West Australian Samantha Saffioti is the 2025 Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year in a deserved recognition for her hard work and dedication spanning over more than a quarter of a century. 

The long-term Roleystone Junior Football Club volunteer, who started her volunteering journey back in 1999, wins a Toyota Corolla and trip to the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne. 

Saffioti started her volunteering journey in football 26 years ago as Team Manager when her eldest son started Auskick, increasing her volunteer engagement at Roleystone JFC each year culminating in the President role in 2018. 

She has been team manager for over 350 games at the club and has also assisted at South Fremantle FC with development programs. 

“I am absolutely blown away. I don’t do it for the accolades obviously. Like most volunteers we’re just here to make it great for our children,” Saffioti said. 

 

 

 

 

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“Winning a trip to the AFL Grand Final as part of this package, is just wow. To have that experience and be amongst it all, I’m just so excited. I just can’t wait for it. It’s going to be a lot. 

“I am so overwhelmed to be receiving this accolade. I’m just over the moon and grateful and honoured. 

“Us volunteers don’t do it for the accolades but it’s really nice to be recognised for things that you do in the community.” 

WA Football’s Club Development & Volunteer Specialist Jenné Emberson said she was “absolutely thrilled” to see Saffioti recognised at a national level. 

“We are absolutely thrilled that Samantha has been chosen as the national AFL Volunteer of the Year. This award is fitting recognition for her many years of volunteer service to football,” Emberson said. 

“Samantha’s dedication to her club and football more broadly across the South Fremantle district really shone through in her nomination. 

“Samantha embodies what it means to be a community football club volunteer, giving selflessly to ensure every child has an opportunity to play football in a supportive and inclusive environment.” 

"On behalf of the AFL, I’d like to extend our heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to Samantha for her exceptional contribution to Roleystone JFC,” AFL Executive General Manager Game Development Rob Auld added. 

“Local footy clubs are the heartbeat of communities right across Australia, and it’s passionate and selfless volunteers like Samantha who make them thrive, giving their time week in and week out for the love of the game and their community.” 

WA Football leads the way in volunteer recognition across the country through its Volunteer of the Year program with over 2,000 community football volunteers nominated each year. 

Saffioti and all the other Volunteer of the Year winners will be celebrated at a function at the WAFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium on Sunday, September 21.