WA Football Volunteer of the Year Winners

WA Football is pleased to announce the 17 district and regional finalists of the WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award and the nine Awards Category winners.

2026 marks 20 years of the awards which recognise the invaluable contributions made by volunteers ensuring that football is accessible to communities across the state.

The program celebrates the tireless efforts of football volunteers including club presidents, registrars, trainers, coaches, secretaries, and those who have dedicated a lifetime to their football club and the wider football community.

WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards District and Regional Finalists

Claremont District – Helen Smelter, North Beach JFC

East Fremantle District – Jodie Budiselik, Applecross Mt Pleasant JFC

East Perth District – Chloe Cushing, Coolbinia JFC

Goldfields Region – Michael Perry, Ports FC

Great Southern Region – Tracy Blaszkow, Albany FC

Kimberley Region – Wayne Paul, East Kimberley FL / South East Kimberley FL

Midlands Region – Greg Richards, Quairading FNC

Midwest Region – Peter Crudeli, Mullewa FC

Peel District – Mark Neeson, Halls Head FNC

Perth District – Greg Gordon, Huntingdale JFC

Pilbara Region – Matt Mathe, Hedland JFA

South Fremantle District – Natasha Claridge, Mundijong JFC

South West Region – Jason Reid, South West JFL

Subiaco District – Mark Connick, Kingsley JFC

Swans District – Julie Harrison, Bassendean FC

West Perth District – Andrew Clarke, West Perth FC

Wheatbelt Region – John Foss, Bruce Rock FC

WA Football Category Award Winners

AFL School Teacher of the Year – Sarah Christensen, Coastal Lakes College

Community Club of the Year – Yanchep Districts JFC

Community Club Coach of the Year (Female) – Lisa Wilding, Baldivis JFC

Community Club Coach of the Year (Male) – Darren Kowal, Mt Hawthorn JFC / Coolbinia JFC

Community Umpire Service – Jordan Pearce, Claremont District Junior Football Umpire Association

Disability Inclusion Ambassador – Dave Wright, Kingsway JFC

First Nations and Multicultural Volunteer of the Year – Tanaya Bowden, Stirling JFC

NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year – Angella Betts, Thornlie JFC

Young Leader of the Year – Hayden Craig, Kingsway JFC

WA Football Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Jenné Emberson, congratulated all of the nominees, finalists and winners.

“The WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards program is an exceptional opportunity to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of footy volunteers,” Emberson said.

“Once again we were thrilled to receive so many nominations from right across the state.”

“The fact that the program has been running continuously for 20 years highlights the importance volunteers play in supporting and growing the game and the positive impact they make within the community.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers for their contribution to ensuring that football continues to thrive.”

All WA Football Volunteer of the Year finalists and category winners will be formally recognised at an awards function to be held at the WAFL Grand Final in September, and the overall WA Football Volunteer of the Year winner will be announced.

All WA winners are finalists in the National AFL Volunteer of the Year Awards and are in the running to win a trip to the AFL Grand Final.