Nominate a worthy volunteer connected to your club to help thank them for their passion & commitment.
Nominations for the 2023 TOYOTA AFL National Volunteer Awards open April 27, 2023 and close July 10, 2023.
This year:
91 winners will receive a $200 debit card e-gift
13 winners will receive a 3-night stay in Melbourne to attend the AFL Grand Final, and;
one (1) lucky winner will drive away in a new Toyota Hilux, valued at $61,000!
Read on for full details, including how to nominate.
THE AWARDS
Each year the AFL (with thanks to the AFL Naming Rights Partner: Toyota) recognise volunteers/administrators for their outstanding contribution to Australian Football through the AFL National Volunteer Awards.
The various category nominations will first be considered at State / Territory level. State / Territory winners are then considered as part of the AFL National Awards. Wonderful recognition & prizes are on offer to the various category winners.
Emma Daffy is an enthusiastic and competitive netballer whose love for the sport has given her wonderful opportunities with fantastic success. Emma is a star goal attack for Newcomb in the AFL Barwon All-Abilities League but also plays for Lara in the mainstream Saturday Geelong FNL E Grade Competition.
Beginning in 2017, Emma initially started her All Abilities netball journey at her local Football and Netball Club, Lara. Emma found she wanted to test and expand her netball skills even further, leading her to join the mainstream competition. Emma states, “I just wanted to challenge myself. Get my intensity up, get my cardio up, make sure I get a good old challenge out there!”
It is impossible for Emma to decide what competition she likes more but finds the level of intensity and competitiveness to be the primary difference between the two. Her sense of enthusiasm and pride for both leagues is undeniable. Emma explains, “Both sides bring up a good, energetic, fun game.”
Lara Football Netball Club Netball Director, Di Van Doren always knew Emma would have the skillset and ability to be able to play both netball competitions. “Emma has always been a willing participant in all our club combined training sessions. We wanted Emma to decide when the time was right for her and have the confidence to give it a go. She has amazing skills, and her knowledge of the game is astonishing.” Di acknowledged that Emma is a much-loved member of Lara’s E-Grade team and provided valuable input into group sessions and regularly attended Club social events.
The Newcomb Power Football and Netball Club is a strong leader for the All-Abilities league, having both inclusion Netball and Football sides. Scott Smith, Newcomb’s All-Abilities Coordinator, explains inclusivity is central to the club’s values and the All-Abilities program is a valuable and vital part of the club’s DNA. Smith says, “Our inclusion programs sit alongside our mainstream and all members have embraced the programs. Providing the opportunities is very rewarding.”
Emma believes in encouraging other players of the All-Abilities League to get involved in mainstream competitions as a way of breaking down barriers between the two competitions. She suggests, “Just give it a crack! Have a go and do your best out there!”. Di Van Doren supported this by encouraging clubs to keep an open mind when considering providing opportunities for All Abilities players in mainstream Netball.
Smith agrees the biggest barrier to blending All-Abilities players into the mainstream competitions is player confidence. He says, “Once they [All-Abilities players] feel comfortable, there are no issues.”
Emma’s passion and dedication to netball have led to some great achievements through selection for the Marie Little OAM Shield. Emma represented Victoria back in 2019 in Brisbane, bringing home a silver medal. She represented Victoria a second time in Sydney last year, bringing home not only another silver medal, but was also awarded Most Valuable Player overall for the competition. She says, “It was exciting and a bit of a shock”.
However, the challenge doesn’t end there. Emma’s competitive spirit prevails as she set her sights on achieving more this year. Emma states, “I am wanting to bring back the gold instead of the silver!”.
If there are any players looking to play in any of the AFL Barwon All Abilities Netball Competitions, please contact AFL Barwon Head of Netball, Sophie Allison (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
AFL Barwon wishes to congratulate the below players who have been selected in the 2023 AFL Barwon Junior Talent Academy squads.
The AFL Barwon Junior Talent Academies in 2023 consist of an Under 15 boys and a combined Under 14/15 girl's squads. An Under 14 boy's squad will be released at a later date and will commence later in the season.
Players will undertake an intensive program that will focus skill and education development. The program will be coordinated by the AFL Barwon V-Line Cup coaches in a collaboration with Rookie Me and their expert coaching team.
Details of training sessions and dates has been sent to the players selected.
Tonga Netball made an exciting announcement on June 14, revealing the composition of Tonga’s National Netball Team, Tala, for the World Cup 2023 in South Africa. This marks a historic moment for Tonga as they embark on their first ever World Cup Campaign. The team boasts a lineup of remarkable players, including renowned names like Mo’onia Gerrard (former Australian Diamond player), Catherine Tuivaiti (former Silver Fern player), and Jessyka Ngauamo (former Australian Olympian).
Among these exceptional athletes are Uneeq and Beyonce Palavi, hailing from Newtown and Chilwell Football Netball Club. Having secured their spots in the Tongan squad, Beyonce and Uneeq’s selection not only highlights the talent and dedication of these two players, but also emphasises the depth of sporting excellence found within the Barwon region. Their journey from the grassroots level to being selected to represent their country at a global level stands as a testament to their unwavering determination, perseverance, and exceptional abilities.
Newtown and Chilwell’s Coaching Mentor, Jason Woolley explains that everyone at the club is “excited and proud to see both Uneeq and Beyonce named as part of the Tongan National team.” Beyonce initially joined Newtown and Chilwell as a junior in the under 17 category and has since worked continuously hard to improve her game as part of the B grade. Uneeq has emerged as a dominant goal-shooter in the A grade team.
Beyonce and Uneeq both hold tremendous pride in representing Tonga, and Woolley describes this selection as a “great recognition of the work the girls have put into their netball.” Newtown and Chilwell Football Netball Club fully shares in their excitement and eagerly anticipates cheering them on as they compete on netball’s biggest stage.
The inclusion of Beyonce and Uneeq in the Tongan National team exemplifies the outstanding talent and commitment nurtured within the Barwon region. The AFL Barwon community stands behind these exceptional athletes, applauding their achievements and supporting their journey. Uneeq and Beyonce are poised to make a significant impact in the World Cup 2023, representing both Tonga and the Barwon region with pride.
