Media Release

2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year finalists announced

8 September 2025

SANFL is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award.

Selected from hundreds of nominations, the eight shortlisted nominees – hailing from both metropolitan and regional clubs across the state – have been honoured for their outstanding impact on grassroots football. They are:

  • Adam Salmon – South Gambier Football Club
  • Jacinta Huxtable – Crystal Brook Football Club
  • Terry Julian – Macclesfield Football Club
  • Suzy Graham – West Augusta Football Club
  • Matt Bedgegood – Ingle Farm Football Club
  • Gary Scott – Golden Grove Football Club
  • Beau Green – Salisbury North Football Club
  • Scott Leverington – South Whyalla Football Club

The finalists are in the running to be named SANFL’s Volunteer of the Year to be announced at the annual SANFL Community Volunteers awards night at Adelaide Oval on Friday October 31.

Now in its ninth year, the SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award aims to highlight the significant contribution volunteers make to the footy community in South Australia.

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler praised each finalist for their exceptional service and dedication to their clubs.

“SANFL proudly congratulates all eight finalists, as well as every volunteer nominated for the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award,” he said.

“Our finalists are a shining example of the vital role volunteers play within football clubs, stepping into countless roles that ensure the game continues to thrive.

“Volunteers are truly the heartbeat of community football. These eight finalists not only reflect the passion and commitment within their own clubs but also represent the thousands of volunteers across South Australia who make our game possible.”

In addition to being awarded the David Shipway AM Medal and perpetual trophy, the award winner will receive the following prizes:

  • A night’s accommodation at The Oval Hotel, including breakfast, following the Awards Dinner
  • One night’s accommodation for two people at the Serafino Winery McLaren Vale, including a 3-course dinner and breakfast. During the stay, the winner will be provided with the use of a brand-new luxury Kia vehicle to explore the famous wine region in style.
  • Two x Ultimate Football Memberships for Adelaide Oval, including reserved seats in the Western Stand to all AFL Home games (excluding finals) in season 2026.
  • $200 e-gift voucher (prepaid Mastercard) courtesy of the AFL.

2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year finalists

Adam Salmon (South Gambier Football Club)

Adam Salmon is the true example of a community volunteer, and after an impressive football career spanning over 300 games, he has dedicated countless hours to his local club and league.

As Club Junior President, League Junior President, and Auskick Coordinator, Adam has been the driving force behind countless initiatives, all while supporting his three children in their own football journeys.

Jacinta Huxtable (Crystal Brook Football Club)

Jacinta has been a long-term secretary of the Crystal Brook Football Club and is the co-founder of the Mid North Women’s Football League. Jacinta goes above and beyond in her service to our football club and for women’s football in our region.

If it wasn’t for Jacinta, there would be no opportunity for women to play football in the Mid North of South Australia. She is a pioneer for women’s football in country South Australia.

Terry Julian (Macclesfield Football Club)

Since the age of 10 years old, Terry (now 61) has been involved in football. Following a playing career of over 250 senior games and being awarded Life Membership by two different clubs, Terry started giving back to the sport and is still giving outstanding service today.

Terry’s passion for the Macclesfield Football Club is evident in that he is always the first to put up his hand when something needs doing and is the first and loudest to offer support and encouragement for the players of all age groups.

Suzy Graham (West Augusta Football Club)

Suzy has been a long-term club and league volunteer. Suzy has spent over 10 years in several roles at the West Augusta Football Club before recently joining the Pt Augusta Junior Committee.

Suzy has played a pivotal role in the creation and development of the Pt Augusta Female Football program, with over five years of service building the competition from the ground up. Thanks to Suzy’s hard work 75+ young females have been given the opportunity to continue their football journey.

Matt Bedgegood (Ingle Farm Football Club)

Matt Bedgegood exemplifies the spirit of community football through his dedication to the Ingle Farm Football Club. As Chairman, C Grade Coach, Auskick Coordinator, and U8 Coach, Matt’s leadership has been instrumental in the club’s growth and success.

Beyond his administrative and coaching roles, Matt leads by example, actively participating in matches and engaging with players and families alike. His dedication to the club’s success is unwavering, and his efforts have significantly contributed to the positive culture and growth of Ingle Farm Football Club.

Gary Scott (Golden Grove Football Club)

When you think about Golden Grove Football Club, you think Gary Scott. Gary has been a hard-working volunteer at Golden Grove FC for countless years. His official title is Junior Football Director which encompasses anything and everything Junior footy related. His contribution to the footy club cannot be duplicated.

Golden Grove is one of the biggest clubs in SA and the role that Gary plays in the success and constant growth is something to behold. Gary absolutely bleeds Green and Yellow and he along with the whole of the club, keep setting new standards for Junior football and community sport.

Beau Green (Salisbury North Football Club)

As our Junior Sports Director, Beau is very hands on and extremely involved in all aspects of our football club.

Beau spends his Saturdays with our Senior Football sides helping set up & pack up, recording stats and doing whatever is asked of him. He then spends his Sundays setting up our Junior Football, setting up and cooking the BBQ in the mornings, and then operating the scoreboard from our coaches’ box for the remainder of the day until it’s time to pack up.

Scott Leverington (South Whyalla Football Club)

Scott has been a long-term South Whyalla Club volunteer and Whyalla Football League delegate. Scott has committed to every job in the book. coaching, umpiring, runner, committee and canteen – you name it, he’s done it.

In recent years Scott has taken on the responsibility to launch the Whyalla Football League Women’s. Scott formed a working group in early 2023 before launching the senior women’s competition in September later that year. On the back of his hard work, it has recently been announced that the WFLW will be expanding to a seven-team competition for season 2025. The growth and development is a testament to Scott and all his hours of service to the local female pathway.

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