2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award nominations now open

By SANFL Media

Nominations are now open for the 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award which shines a light on the remarkable contribution of volunteers who go above and beyond for their local football club or league.

The award will be presented at the SANFL Community Volunteers Awards Dinner at Adelaide Oval later this year, with nominations closing on Monday July 7.

SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig said the thousands of volunteers in footy across the State are the lifeblood of our leagues and clubs – and the work they do goes well beyond getting footy teams on the field.

“The SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates the unsung footy heroes and to say thank you to all the local legends behind the scenes who make our game great,” Duldig said.

“Whether they be administrators, umpires, coaches, trainers, Auskick coordinators, fundraisers, scoreboard attendants, timekeepers or work in the canteen or barbecue, now is the time to honour a volunteer for their unwavering loyalty to your football club or league.

“It is also vital that we start building a future generation of volunteers, showing today’s young footy participants, how much volunteering gives us purpose, builds self-esteem and teaches some great life skills.

A shortlist of up to eight finalists will be selected from across South Australia and will receive the following:

• Framed recognition certificate of their nomination presented at the 2025 SANFL Community Volunteers Awards Dinner
• Invitation for themselves and a guest to the 2025 SANFL Community Volunteers Awards Dinner

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

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

The 2025 SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award winner will also be nominated as the SA entry for the national AFL Volunteer of the Year Award. The national overall winner will be awarded a Toyota vehicle and three-day AFL Grand Final experience.

The award is among a number of SANFL Community Football and Toyota AFL Volunteer Awards, with various award categories aiming to highlight individuals who have provided outstanding voluntary service to community football in South Australia.

For more details and to nominate a volunteer from a SANFL Club, community club or local league for both the SANFL Volunteer of the Year and other award categories, visit https://sanfl.com.au/volunteer/