AFLW community ambassadors recognised for service to female footy

Seven women involved in local football across the country have been named 2024 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors, in recognition for their outstanding contributions to women and girls in football, with Liana Keenan from Westmeadows Football Club (Essendon & District Football League) being named for Victoria. 

In its fourth year, the AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth in footy for women and girls.

The nominees selected for the 2024 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program are:

· NSWACT: Lina Freyer (Batemans Bay Seahawks Football Club)

· NT: Tamara Spence (Jabiru Bombers Football Club)

· QLD: Alera Heywood (Broadbeach Football Club)

· SA: Cecilia Moretti (Goodwood Saints Football Club)

· TAS: Melissa Budgeon (Ulverstone Football Club)

· VIC: Liana Keenan (Westmeadows Football Club)

· WA: Ella Spinks (East Fremantle Umpires Association)

Each Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice and the opportunity to be involved in the 2024 NAB AFLW Finals Series.

AFL General Manager of AFLW, Emma Moore, said that these women who have been recognised are a big reason why the game for women and girls has gone through such remarkable growth.

“There are so many incredible people across the country who are making significant contributions to the growth and success of football for women and girls, and the Chemist Warehouse AFL Community Ambassador program provides a platform to thank and acknowledge their tireless contributions.

“On behalf of the AFL, I want to acknowledge and thank the seven community ambassadors who have given so much to the game and deserve to be recognised. The game thrives at all levels because of a strong grassroots foundation, which exists because of people like our ambassadors.

“I also thank Chemist Warehouse for their support of the community ambassador program and for continuing to back women and girls football, including the AFLW competition.”

Chemist Warehouse Director, Mario Tascone said the powerhouse pharmacy retailer is proud to be supporting the program.

“Chemist Warehouse is thrilled to be supporting the 2024 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program and acknowledge the tremendous work of this year’s community football representatives.

“Chemist Warehouse has supported the AFLW competition since its inception and we look forward to continuing to champion women’s football throughout the community and at an elite level.”

See below for more information on Victoria's 2024 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador:

 Victoria – Liana Keenan

 In 2018, Liana played a pivotal role in establishing the Westmeadows Football Club’s senior women’s program with her peers and   has worked hard to offer a pathway for all girls of any skill level to play.

 Liana is a strong advocate for females and works hard to bring together all players, men and women at the club to celebrate each   program and support the junior and Auskick programs.

 She gives so much to her community through a lack of need for personal accolades, purely through driven determination to get     jobs done, generate new ideas and provide for others.