SANFL & AFL Volunteer Awards

Nominee Criteria

The Bendigo Bank SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award aims to highlight those individuals who have provided notable voluntary service to community football in South Australia.

Nominees must satisfy the following to qualify:

• Must have given notable voluntary service to Australian Football in South Australia
• Must be a willing, voluntary contributor, having received no income from football (NB honoraria excepted)
• Must be an ambassador for the game of football who acts and works for the best interest of the game, never bringing the game into disrepute

Prizes

Up to 8 finalists will be selected and will receive the following:

• Framed recognition certificate of your nomination presented at the 2026 SANFL Community Volunteers Awards Dinner
• Invitation for themselves and a guest to the 2026 SANFL Community Volunteers Awards Dinner
• 1 night accommodation at Oval Hotel including breakfast in conjunction with 2026 SANFL Community Volunteers Awards Dinner

The overall winner will receive:

• The David Shipway AM Medal and title of Bendigo Bank SANFL Volunteer of the Year
• 1 night of accommodation for two people at the Serafino Winery McLaren vale, including a 3-course dinner and breakfast. During your stay, you will be provided with the use of a brand-new luxury Kia vehicle to explore the famous wine region in style
• 2 x Ultimate Football Memberships, including reserved seats to all AFL Home games (excluding finals) in season 2026
• Courtesy of the AFL – a $200 e-gift voucher (prepaid Mastercard)

The winner of the Bendigo Bank SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award will be nominated as the South Australian finalist for the TOYOTA AFL Community Volunteer of the Year Award.

When nominating for Bendigo Bank SANFL Volunteer of the Year, select ‘AFL Community Volunteer’ from the drop-down box on the nomination form.

The SANFL Community Football  & TOYOTA AFL Awards aim to highlight individuals who have provided notable voluntary service to community football in South Australia.

Each year the SANFL (with thanks to the AFL and AFL Naming Rights Partner: Toyota) recognise volunteers/administrators for their outstanding contribution.

Awards are offered across categories that recognise administrators, coaches, officials, umpires, teachers and media.

These awards are presented at the annual SANFL Community Volunteers Dinner held at Adelaide Oval.

The winners of each award* at a state level will receive a $200 debit card e-gift, and will be nominated for the relevant TOYOTA AFL National award.

*Please note there is no national award/prize for SANFL Merit Award and Club Coach Coordinator Award.

So make sure nominate a worthy volunteer connected to your club to help thank them for their passion & commitment and put yourself and your club/association in the running to win too!