Harwood recognised at Football Women of the Year awards

Head Coach of the East Fremantle Women’s Football Club Nikki Harwood was presented the VicHealth Community Award at the Football Woman of the Year Awards at Crown Palladium, Melbourne.

The annual Awards, which are hosted by the Essendon Women’s Network as part of AFL Grand Final Week, recognise women in the industry who have made a significant contribution to the game of Australian Football.

The Community Award recognises those who work in a volunteer capacity, whether it be at the grass roots level, or through their voluntary contribution to clubs at the highest level.

Harwood has made an outstanding contribution to women’s football as a player, administer and coach.

She has played over 200 games, won four premierships, is a 5-times 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.

Essendon Women’s Network Chair Karen Cusack said Harwood’s leadership to women’s football across all facets of the game has been legendary.

“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.”

Brisbane Lions AFLW CEO Breeanna Brock received the 2018 Football Women of the Year.

Brock is the 22nd woman to win the award, and in doing so joins a long list of talented and influential women who made significant contribution to the game.

Past winners of the Football Woman of the Year Award include;

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)

Irene Chatfield (1998)