South Gambier’s Adam Salmon named 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year

November 1, 2025

SANFL is thrilled to announce that Adam Salmon of the South Gambier Football Club has won the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award for his exceptional service to grassroots community football.

Adam was presented with his award before more than 300 people at the SANFL Community Football Volunteer Awards ceremony at Adelaide Oval last night, which recognised the tremendous contribution of dedicated volunteers at their local clubs or leagues throughout South Australia in 2025.

Adam first became involved with the South Gambier Football Club in 1993, playing more than 350 games before transitioning into administration roles with the club, where he is now the South Gambier Football Club Junior President and Auskick Coordinator, and the inaugural Limestone Coast Football Netball League Junior President.

In these roles, Adam has been the driving force behind countless initiatives, all whilst supporting his three children in their own football journeys.

Adam has not only given his time as a junior coach, but he’s also led and organised numerous club fundraisers and provided life-changing experiences for local juniors.

He was one of eight finalists shortlisted for the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award, with nominations coming from all around South Australia.

“Volunteering can be tough but it’s nights like tonight, hearing the stories of people that’s inspiring. I read all the bio’s of the other nominees for this award and I was really inspired,” Adam said.

“My motivation from the very start was being involved in my kids’ football and it’s just evolved and grown from there and I get great joy out of seeing the impact.”

Now in its ninth year, the SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award aims to highlight those individuals who have provided exceptional voluntary service to community football in South Australia.

SANFL Executive General Manager Matt Duldig congratulated Adam on his incredible achievement and acknowledged the accomplishments of all the Volunteer of the Year finalists.

“On behalf of SANFL, I congratulate Adam on this incredible achievement, along with the other seven outstanding volunteers who were finalists for the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award,” Mr Duldig said.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of community football around the state, and we must celebrate them for all that they do.

“Importantly on the night we were also able to recognise a range of other volunteers for their incredible contribution to our game and our congratulations and appreciation goes to every one of them.”

As the SANFL Volunteer of the Year, Adam was awarded the David Shipway AM Medal by Mr Shipway, a longstanding football administrator and SANFL Community Football Ambassador.

In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Adam has also won the following prizes:

• One night of accommodation for two people at the Serafino Winery, McLaren Vale, including a three-course dinner and breakfast.
• Two Ultimate Football Memberships, including reserved seats to AFL Home games (excluding finals) in season 2026 at Adelaide Oval.
• A $200 e-gift voucher (pre-paid Mastercard), courtesy of the AFL

Among the other volunteers recognised on Friday night was Jamiee Millard of the Victor Harbor Football Club who was awarded The Hospital Research Foundation Group Young Leader of the Year award.