South Australian Women's Football League

South Australian Women's Football League
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2014 SAWFL season
Sport Australian rules football
Founded 1991, Adelaide
Inaugural season 1991
No. of teams 10
Country Australia
Official website

The South Australian Women's Football League (SAWFL) is the governing body of the Women's Australian rules football Sport in the state of South Australia.

History

In 1990 a group of South Australian women instigated the preparation to establish the South Australian Women's Football League [SAWFL] after an exhibition match between the Victorian Women's Football League [VWFL] and some sporting identities in South Australia proved to be a huge success. The founder of the SAWFL, Gina Dutschke and with the assistance of Jenny Williams were then able to gather enough interest from sportswomen throughout the metropolitan region to form a league of their own in 1991.

Clubs that were instrumental in the early years the League were the Cougars, Thunderbirds, Hectorville, Brighton, Modbury, Para Hills, Kilburn, Edwardstown, Pooraka, Goodwood, North Adelaide, West Adelaide, McLaren Vale and Sturt. The League today, comprises again four clubs: Woodville West Torrens, Morphettville Park, Port Adelaide and Greenacres.

SAWFL is currently in collaboration with the SANFL's Affiliated Junior District Leagues with the planning of a Youth Girls competition and this is anticipated to commence in the 2008 season. Over 900 players have registered with SAWFL since 1991, and there is a new generation to come. Under the guidance of the President, Georgi Iley, the League is now progressing forward in generating a player pathway for females of all ages in South Australia.

Significant milestones of League members who have long represented SA at the National Women's AFL Championships are Catherine Mulvihill (224 games), Tiffany Lee (190 games), Cheryl Wills (165 games), Nancy Tidswell (139 games), Cassie Hartley (123 games), and Linda Mounsey (116 games).

Clubs

Honours

Dutschke Medal (Best and Fairest)
The Dutschke Medal is named after Gina Dutschke, the founder of the South Australian Women's Football League, back in 1990. The Medal is awarded to the best and fairest overall of the season as determined by the Umpires. This prestigious award is presented to the recipient at the end of season Presentation Dinner.

Glazbrook Medal (Leading Goakicker)
The Glazbrook Medal was named after Trudy Glazbrook, at the time was the leagues longest running highest goalkicker. The Medal is awarded to the player with the highest number of goals kicked throughout the competition.

Laube Medal (Player's Player)
The Carmel Laube Medal was named in memory and honour of Carmel Laube, who played for Edwardstown, and represented the State Squad until ill health. We fondly remember her time and contribution to the League. This medal is awarded to the player's player - the most respected player amongst peers in the competition.

Pitman Medal (Rookie of the Year)
The Pitman Medal was named after Deb Pitman, a life member of SAWFL. This award is given to the Rookie of the Year. The highest number of votes for the first year player in SAWFL.

Amos Clarke Medal (Junior Development Award)
Sponsored by Murray Amos and Amanda Clarke, this award is presented to the highest ranked youngest player (18 or under) of the Dutschke Vote count.

Club of the Year
SAWFL Club of the Year was introduced in 2011 to encourage increased professionalism within the League and its Affiliated Clubs. The introduction of the Club of the Year Award seeks to recognise the efforts of volunteers and officials that promote Women's Football and provide safe and sustainable Club environments.

All Australian Selection

South Australia are proud of their girls making the All Australian team which is selected from participants at the National Women's AFL Championships.

Premierships

See also

References

    External links

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