Local Legends: Sam takes East Sunbury on new journey

Samantha Rushworth has been a teacher in the Hume area for over 15 years, as well as a more recent member of the East Sunbury Football Club in the Essendon District Football League (EDFL).

Since being involved with the club Samantha has joined the committee as the Secretary of the Club alongside running all social media and online enquiries for East Sunbury. Sam is a dedicated and passionate club person, fighting for positive change including reviving the men’s senior team after they failed to field a side in the previous year, leading to Sam being awarded Club Person of the Year in 2023. Sam is a descendant of the Minjerribah-Moorgumpin North Stradbroke Island - Moreton Island tribe, and her pride in her Aboriginal heritage helps Sam to bring a strong focus on cultural awareness and a push for ongoing respect for diversity within the East Sunbury Sporting Association.

Currently, Sam is leading a new venture for inclusivity by being the number one advocate for starting up the inaugural East Sunbury Football Club Women's team for the 2024 season.

Sam’s sister and founding member of the inaugural East Sunbury Women’s team, Jess Campbell said that this new venture is very exciting for Sam and something she is extremely proud of.

“Giving back to society is one of Sam’s greatest joys in life. Knowing she can make a difference to young people's lives is what our community values and one that Sam holds dearly to her heart.”

“This all combines with Sam being a devoted wife and mother of two boys. She takes her boys to every basketball, cricket and football match and is often asked to participate in volunteer work for those teams. Everything about Sam is family and community-based with her children, students and community at front of mind with everything she does.”

Sam's personality and reliability is admired throughout the broader Hume region and these qualities, along with her efforts for the East Sunbury Football Club are something she is well due to be recognised for, making her a deserving Local Legends nominee.

AFL Victoria’s Local Legends initiative aims to recognise the local heroes who are the lifeblood of their local clubs and communities.

Whether it be a coach, player, umpire, local business owner, administrator or volunteer, AFL Victoria wants to celebrate the people who are the backbone of community football clubs. Community football clubs simply could not survive without those who are willing to show up each weekend and make sure that the game goes ahead, crowds are well fed, players are supported and success is enjoyed.

Nominees for the AFL Victoria Local Legends initiative can be anyone who is involved in a community football club in any capacity, whether it be paid or unpaid, directly related to the game or a behind-the-scenes super star, these legends are who make community football what it is.

Do you know someone with a great story like Sam's? Nominate them now.