Vic volunteer recognised as AFLW community footy ambassador

Community football is driven by great people and seven representatives from local clubs across the country who have made outstanding contributions to the women’s game have been recognised as 2023 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors. 

The Victorian representative in the program is Annette Maloney from Port Melbourne Colts Junior Football Club.

Established in 2021, the AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football. 

Read about Annette Maloney’s story here: 

As President of Port Melbourne Colts Junior Football Club, Annette has increased the number of women on the committee to 50 percent. She actively seeks out the services of women with particular skill sets, such as the outgoing Mayor of the City of Port Phillip as the secretary. She regularly promotes the profile of women in our club on social media and in the club's weekly newsletter to encourage more women expressing interest in taking on significant roles with the club.   

 Annette works closely with the local schools to advocate for more girls to actively participate in local sport, not just with our club but with other sporting clubs in our area.  

 Annette successfully applied for a grant from Sports Victoria to employ Melissa Kuys, ex AFLW player and current VFLW player and co-captain of the Port Melbourne Football Club to lead our Girls Development. Likewise, she brought together all users clubs of our pavilion at JL Murphy Reserve to apply for funding for a redevelopment from AFL Victoria and the City of Port Phillip. This involved many working party meetings with stake holders including the City of Port Phillip. We now have a fit for purpose $4.8m community sports pavilion with female friendly change rooms and amenities, a commercial grade kitchen and social rooms suitable for community events.  

 Annette edits the club's weekly club newsletter which serves as a very useful vehicle to advocate for women in sport. She regularly highlights the achievements of our alumni, Sofia Hurley, for example when one of them was drafted recently, and has arranged for former players such as Brianna Davey to come to our club and work with our female players and coaches. Without Annette’s drive and enthusiasm, young women like Sofia would not have had the opportunity to achieve at the highest level in football. 

 Annette has excellent working relationships with Southern Metropolitan Junior Football League, with its senior partner, the Southern Football Netball league, the local Council, local politicians of all political persuasions and the AFL. she uses these networks to constantly advocate for improved facilities for women in sport. She also is not shy in reaching out to people such as Gillon McLachlan and others when they have visited our club.  

Annette has a demonstrated record of leading a large organisation of volunteers through difficult and controversial issues such as Covid lockdowns and keeps them focused on why we are all giving up our time - so our kids can enjoy the world's greatest game - AFL footy. She has engaged Darren Flanigan, ex AFL player and player development officer for the AFL, to mentor, support and teach our coaches to be the best they can possibly be for our players and Mel Keys, past AFLW player and captain of Port Melbourne VFLW team to be our Girls Coaching Director and drive the membership of girls at our club. She even coaxed Damien Oliver to coach our U13 boys this season and motivate our teams who made finals last year as she heard a speech he gave to Geelong FC before a Grand Final win!  

Each Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice and the opportunity to be involved in the 2023 NAB AFLW Finals Series.

CLICK HERE for the full list of recipients from all States and Territories on afl.com.au.