The Southern Football League Awards Night was held on Monday 8 September, at Wrest Point Casino and was proudly hosted by Tubes Taylor.

The evening was a celebration of an outstanding season of football.  The first under the new divisional structure and the introduction of the Under 18s competition, featuring recognition across nine competitions.

The event was attended by 380 guests representing all Community and Premier League clubs, with a further 2,500 viewers tuning in via YouTube when the proceedings went live at 9:00 pm.

A summary of the award recipients is provided below:

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner – Rodney Guy (Claremont Football Club)

Club Nominees

Brighton                       Chelsea Browning

Claremont                    Rodney Guy

Clarence                       Michael Price

Cygnet                          Paddy O’Neill

Dodges Ferry               Lisa Tegg

Glenorchy                    Kelly Males

Hobart                          Izanne Viljoen

Huonville Lions           Maddi Cordwell

Hutchins                       Nick Cleary

Kingborough               Jodie Riley

Lauderdale                  Kyree Gaffney

Lindisfarne                  Mark Anning

New Norfolk                Peter Murray

North Hobart              Rick Tapping

St Virgils                       Aaron Brennan

Sorell                            Scot Murray

COMMUNITY LEAGUE

Bibby Shield Award – Cygnet Football Club

Goalkicking Award

Under 18 Boys – Charlie Polley (Southern Storm) 47 goals

Reserves – Billy Pace (Sorell) 48 goals

Senior Women – Melinda Green Medal – Tiarna Ford (New Norfolk) 56 goals

Senior Men – Col Smith Medal – Ed Stanley (Lindisfarne) 85 goals

BEST AND FAIREST AWARDS

Under 18 Boys – The Lipscombe Medal

Winner – Sunil Welling (Huonville Lions) on 17 votes

Runner-Up – Isaac Tomney (Huonville Lions) on 13 votes

Third – Riley Thorp-McCulloch (Huonville Lions) and Robbie Thompson (Southern Storm) on 11 votes

Reserves – The Johnstone Medal

Winner – Damon Crouch (Huonville Lions) on 23 votes

Runner Up – Jeremy Percy (Cygnet) on 16 votes

Third – Orlando Archer (Dodges Ferry) on 11 votes

Senior Women – The Cara Brooke Medal

Winner – Zoie Crawford (New Norfolk) on 29 votes

Runner-Up – Natalie Smedley (Claremont) on 24 votes

Third – Brooke Miller (Hutchins) on 22 votes

Senior Men – The Hodgman Medal

Winner – Jack Preshaw (Huonville Lions) on 22 votes

Runner-Up – Sheldon Smith (Lindisfarne) on 20 votes

Third – Will Polley (Cygnet on 16 votes

Coaches Award (MVP)

Women – Abbie Jones (Port)

Men – Ruben Tomkins (Dodges Ferry)

Best Player in Representative Football

Women – The Sandra Eaton Medal – Natalie Curtis (Claremont)

Men – Sheldon Smith (Lindisfarne)

Teams of the Year

Community League Senior Women                         

B:          Sarah Midgley (Claremont), Maya Lamprill (Huonville Lions) 

HB:       Sophie Botterill-James (Hutchins), Zoie Crawford (New Norfolk), Sophie Farrow (New Norfolk)

C:          Hayley Kluga (Port Women), Natalie Curtis (Claremont), Abbie Jones (Port Women)

HF:       Tiarna Ford (New Norfolk), Sophie Abel (Hutchins), Ellie Henricks (New Norfolk)

F:           Brooke Miller (Hutchins) Stacey Fox (Port Women )

Fol:       Alexandra Badenach (Hutchins), Natalie Smedley (Claremont), Georgia Jones (Port Women)

Int:        Amy Sharp (Cygnet), Mena McLeod (Lindisfarne), Molly Monks (Sorell), Mimosa Middleton-Miller (Hutchins)             

Captain            Sophie Botterill-James (Hutchins)  

Vice-Captain Natalie Curtis (Claremont)  

Coach               Cameron Duffy (Claremont)

Community League Senior Men                                

B:          Jason Gridley (Dodges Ferry), Luke Ashlin (Cygnet), Will Poland (Sorell)

HB:       Lochie Griggs (Cygnet), Cameron Johns (Huonville Lions ), Josh Farrow (New Norfolk)

C:          Kobey Phillips (Dodges Ferry), Jack Preshaw (Huonville Lions), Dylan Fyfe (Lindisfarne)

HF:       Mitch Walker (Huonville Lions), Michael Paul (Huonville Lions), Brad Joseph (Dodges Ferry)

F:           Ed Stanley (Lindisfarne), Joseph Direen (Cygnet), Connor McGee (Dodges Ferry)

Fol:       Will Polley (Cygnet), Sheldon Smith (Lindisfarne), Brock Daniels (Sorell)

Int:        Jude Butler (Hobart), Mitch Anderton (Sorell), Teege Westbury (Lindisfarne), Ruben Tomkins (Dodges Ferry)         

Captain            Jack Preshaw (Huonville Lions)                      

Vice-Captain Will Polley (Cygnet)  

Coach               Lachy Watt (Cygnet) 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Club Championship Award – Clarence Football Club

Goalkicking Award

Under 18 Girls – Josie Rose (Kingborough) 60 goals

Under 18 Boys – Edward Johnstone (Clarence) 32 Goals

Reserves – Matthew Yates (North Hobart) 27 Goals

Senior Women – The Nietta Lynch Medal – Georgie Bailey (Kingborough) 44 Goals

Senior Men – The Peter Hudson Medal – Sam Siggins (Lauderdale) 71 Goals

BEST AND FAIREST AWARDS

Under 18 Girls

Winners – Imogen Verdouw (Kingborough) and Kennedy Williams (Clarence) on 12 votes

Runner Up – Evie Bingham (North Hobart) on 11 votes

Under 18 Boys – V.A. Geard Medal

Winner – Jorge Triffett (North Hobart) on 18 votes

Runner Up – Mac Hammond (North Hobart) on 16 votes

Third – Ryan Erends (Glenorchy) on 10 votes

Reserves – The George Watt Medal

Winner – Jacob Findlay (Glenorchy) on 15 votes

Runner Up – Jacob Worsley (North Hobart) on 14 votes

Third – Alex Continenza (Lauderdale) on 8 votes

Senior Women – The LA Ottaway Medal

Winners – Madi Lamb (North Hobart and Angelica Clark (North Hobart on 17 votes

Runner Up – Ava Read (Clarence) and Agnes Sakina (Kingborough) on 11 votes

Senior Men – William Leitch Medal

Winner – Sam Siggins (Lauderdale) and Josh Green (Clarence) tied on 17 votes

Runner Up – Oscar Paprotny (Clarence) on 16 votes

Coaches Award – MVP

Women – Angelica Clark (North Hobart)

Men – Josh Green (Clarence)

Best Player in Representative Football

Women – The Sandra Eaton Medal – Perri King (Kingborough)

Men – Bryce Walsh (Lauderdale)

Teams of the Year

Premier League Senior Women                                 

B:          Ella Wagner (Clarence), Rachel Archer (Clarence), –

HB:       Charlotte Barnes (North Hobart), Priscilla Odwogo (Kingborough), Agnes Sakina (Kingborough)

C:          Jacinta Limbrick (Clarence), Angelica Clark (North Hobart), Brieanna Barwick (Glenorchy)

HF:       Madi Lamb (North Hobart), Grace White (North Hobart), Jess Wuetschner (Lauderdale)

F:           Molly Mitchell (Kingborough), Georgie Bailey (Kingborough), –          

Fol:       Stephanie Smith (North Hobart), Perri King (Kingborough ), Jemma Webster (Clarence)

Int:        Mikayla Booth (Glenorchy), Heidi Preshaw (Clarence), Emma Waller (Lauderdale), Brianna Oates (Clarence)

Captain            Jacinta Limbrick (Clarence)               

Vice-Captain Grace White (North Hobart)              

Coach               Dean Webster (Clarence)    

Premier League Senior Men                          

B:          James Bealey (Lauderdale), Taine Sookee (Lauderdale), Lachlan Gadomski (Kingborough)

HB:       Lachlan Clifford (Kingborough), Josh McGuinness (Lauderdale), Oscar Paprotny (Clarence)

C:          Rhys Sutton (Lauderdale), Bryce Walsh (Lauderdale), Darcy Gardner (Brighton)

HF:       Thomas Reeves (North Hobart), Bryce Alomes (Glenorchy), Jack Dolliver (Lauderdale)

F:           Josh Green (Clarence), Sam Siggins (Lauderdale), Mitch Brouwer (Kingborough)

Fol:       Andrew Phillips (Lauderdale), Baxter Norton (Clarence), Kieran Lovell (Kingborough)

Int:        Nathan Janes (North Hobart ), Harrison Gunther (Glenorchy), Keegan Wylie (Glenorchy), Tyler McGinniss (North Hobart)            

Captain            Sam Siggins (Lauderdale)                   

Vice-Captain Baxter Norton (Clarence)     

Coach               Brent Dolliver (Lauderdale)  

Mitch will be the Banjo’s SFL Premier League Representative and will be the delegate for Premier League clubs on the SFL Board. He will be the collective voice and representative of those clubs!

Some words from Mitch:

“I am really excited to be joining the SFL board. Mixing some of my passions in football, connection, growth and collaboration together, is something that I am thrilled to be part of. It is such an important time for football here in Tasmania, and I am pleased to be playing a role within that time”

Russell Young is our Community League delegate!

Welcome Mitch, we are excited to have you on board! 

The men will be coached by Richard Robinson assistend by Brent Dolliver, Ian Callinan, Josh Arnold and Brett Williams with Craig Grace with Bruce Norton and Cameron Jones.

The various category nominations will first be considered at State / Territory level. State / Territory winners are then considered as part of the AFL National Awards. Wonderful recognition & prizes are on offer to the various category winners.

For more information or to begin a nomination, please click the following link: Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards – Play AFL

On Friday 7th of March 2025, at Wrest Point, the Hobart Airport SFL proudly hosted its inaugural Life Membership event, celebrating 34 legends of the competition as the first-ever Life Members.

This recognition has been years in the making, with extensive research into record books and consultation with clubs and players to meet eligibility criteria. Each inductee has made a lasting impact on the SFL and football in southern Tasmania through their dedication and contributions.

A special moment of the night came when Russell Young was unexpectedly inducted, much to his surprise and with his family by his side. A former player renowned for his goal-kicking (leading the Hobart Reserves in 1932 with 9 goals*), Russell has served as SFL President and a long-standing SFL Executive member. His commitment to the game has been invaluable, is an all-round great person and his recognition is well deserved.

Congratulations to all our inaugural Life Members listed below, and we thank you for your contribution to not only the Southern Football League but also our great game!

In alphabetical order:

1. Roger Belcher – New Norfolk

2. Ashley Bennett – Claremont

3. Craig Bennett – Claremont

4. Scott Bester – Claremont

5. Timothy Bone – Cygnet

6. Nick Braslin – Lindisfarne

7. Nathan Brown – Claremont

8. Jono Bullock – Dodges Ferry

9. Tim Cannan – Dodges Ferry

10. Brad Carver – New Norfolk

11. Josh Clifford – New Norfolk

12. Jamie Curran – Dodges Ferry

13. Dave Cusick – Dodges Ferry

14. Mark Cusick – Dodges Ferry

15. Michael Darcy – Cygnet

16. Julian Direen – Cygnet

17. Mitchell Direen – Cygnet

18. Brent Dolliver – Dodges Ferry

19. Nathan Donoghue – Dodges Ferry

20. Justin Harvey – Hobart

21. Rohan Heron – New Norfolk

22. Brad Jackson – Dodges Ferry

23. Rhys Jennings – Cygnet

24. Luke Joseph – New Norfolk

25. Tye Little – Dodges Ferry

26. Andrew Lockley – Claremont

27. Ben Lovell – New Nofolk

28. Michael McGregor – Huonville Lions, Hobart, Sorell, Kingston, Kermandie

29. Kase Miller – Lindisfarne

30. Justin Myers – Lindisfarne

31. Kane Neilson – Cygnet

32. Michael Paul – Huonville Lions

33. Mathew Phillips – Lindisfarne

34. Leigh Post – New Norfolk

35. Michael Thompson – New Norfolk

36. Scott Webster – Claremont

37. Cameron Wilcox – Cygnet

38. Rusell Young – Administrator

Football in Southern Tasmania is set to reach new heights with a new league naming
rights sponsor coming on board.

The Southern Football League is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Hobart
Airport.

The three-year deal sees the league renamed the Hobart Airport Southern Football
League, across both the Premier League and Community League.

The SFL is Tasmania’s largest football league and is expanding in 2025, increasing
participation across 14 clubs with over 2,000 players both men’s and women’s.

SFL President David O’Byrne said the SFL is very excited about this new partnership.

“Having Hobart Airport on board supporting us demonstrates they value the impact and
importance of our clubs to their communities. There wouldn’t be a single flight out of
Hobart that would not have someone connected to the SFL, be they a player, family
member, official or supporter on board.

“SFL Clubs are the heart of their communities and with this support the new two
division structure, Premier and Community, we can really invest in local footy.

“We sincerely thank and appreciate Hobart Airport for their generous support and
backing of the SFL.”

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said the airport was proud to join the SFL as naming
rights sponsor.

“At Hobart Airport our core purpose is to connect communities and nothing brings a
community together quite like a footy match,” Mr Carter said.

“Every weekend, there’s thousands of players, supporters and volunteers giving their all
at footy fields across Southern Tasmania, and we’re proud to back each and every one
of them, to support their passion for their sport and their community.

“Just as Tasmanian football is preparing to step-up into its AFL future, Hobart Airport is
also preparing for an exciting new era with the completion of our $130 million runway
upgrades later this year, which will unlock direct international flights to Asia and more.

“As Tasmania’s most popular gateway to the state, we’re committed to investing in
infrastructure to make tomorrow’s Tasmania possible, and connect communities from
the sky to the footy field.”

Now you really are flying with the SFL.

The SFL are calling for applicants for the following positions for the 2025 SFL Representative Men & Women Teams in both Premier League and Community League.

To apply, please click the respective link below and complete the form:

SFL Representative Men & Women Teams

Senior Coach – https://forms.office.com/r/8ZcjBy0Y7Y?origin=lprLink

Assistant Coach – https://forms.office.com/r/pLdm0rbrPV?origin=lprLink

Team Manager – https://forms.office.com/r/n4vcz8LEMF?origin=lprLink

Trainers – https://forms.office.com/r/i0544hYYte?origin=lprLink

2025 SFL Representative Games:

Premier League – 7th June – NWFL v SFL (Men & Women)

Premier League – 21st June – SFL v NTFA (Men & Women)

Community League – 5^th July – NTFA v SFL (Men & Women)

The Southern Football League is thrilled to announce its inaugural Premier League Fixture.  

Featuring six southern Tasmanian teams, with Brighton Football Club joining the returning TSL clubs, the 2025 season promises exciting match ups and a return to regional football for fans.  

SFL President David O’Byrne said it’s an exciting moment for football in the south.  

“After months of work to re-establish regional football, all footy fans can now see what the season will look like and where and when they can watch their clubs in action. 

“The passion for local footy will be demonstrated from the first bounce in the first game of the first round in 2025.” 

David said the new structure means accessible footy for all fans.  

“For many years clubs such as Clarence, Glenorchy, Lauderdale, Kingborough and North Hobart have had to travel away long distances making it difficult for families and supporters to watch their favourite players and the big names of our game.  

“With the return of regional football, we can now see our teams play every week, there will be no excuses. 

“The regular season and finals, combined with state and representative games equates to a massive feast of football.” 

The Premier League season begins on April 5 with North Hobart hosting Kingborough, Glenorchy travelling to Brighton and Lauderdale at home against Clarence.  

The action doesn’t slow down over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends with both boasting thrilling clashes.  

Two representative games are on the docket for the SFL Premier League, one against NWFL on the North-West Coast on the June long weekend, and the other against the NTFA in Hobart later in the month. 

Finals will begin in early September, with the Grand Final set for September 20.  

Please be advised that the Annual General Meeting of the Southern Football League will be conducted on Thursday January 30th, 2025, at 6.00 pm.

Hobart Workers Club

Level 2/74 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Signed

David Manshanden Secretary of the Southern Tasmanian Football League

The merger brings together two passionate and talented football communities, combining the South-East Suns’ strong local presence with Sorell Football Club’s established infrastructure and 142-year history. The partnership will significantly strengthen the pathway for female players in the region, providing more opportunities for women and young girls to participate in competitive football at both senior and junior levels.

Sorell Football Club Acknowledges the South-East Suns’ Legacy

Sorell Football Club wishes to publicly acknowledge the tremendous work done for women’s football over the past 10 years by the current South East Suns committee, led by Emma Bygrave, as well as by her predecessors and all the women who have made the Suns what they are today. The club’s efforts have been instrumental in growing and promoting women’s football in the region, and Sorell Football Club is proud to honour this legacy.

To commemorate the contributions of the South East Suns, Sorell Football Club will reserve a space in its clubrooms to display the Suns’ honour board and memorabilia. Additionally, the Suns’ name and logo will be featured on the back of the playing jumper as a mark of respect for those who have blazed the trail for female football in the South East.

Key Highlights of the Merger:

• Senior Women’s Team: A new senior women’s football team will be formed to compete in the Southern Football League, offering elite-level competition for female athletes.

• Under-18 Women’s Team: The merger will also include the creation of an under-18s women’s team, supporting the development of young talent and providing a pathway to senior football.
• Expanded Development Opportunities: The partnership will help foster growth within the local football community, expanding training programs, mentoring, and overall player development.
• Increased Community Engagement: The merger aims to increase visibility and participation in women’s football in the Sorell and surrounding areas, empowering local players and fans alike.

Encouraging Female Participation

Both Sorell Football Club and South East Suns encourage any female players who are interested in participating in football to attend training and be a part of the future of women’s football in the South East region. With the merger providing new opportunities and a supportive environment, players of all ages are invited to join and contribute to the growth of the game.

Sorell Football Club President, Robbie Iles, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “This merger represents a pivotal moment for women’s football in our region. We pay tribute to the South East Suns for their amazing contribution to female football in our region, for blazing a trail for female athletes to play our great game. We also acknowledge the tireless work by the Suns committees past and present and thank them for their outstanding contribution.

By joining forces with the South East Suns, we are not only strengthening our club, but we are also helping to pave the way for the next generation of female footballers. We are excited about the future and the opportunities this partnership will create for all players involved.”

South East Suns Women’s Football Club President, Emma Bygrave, “The South East Suns have made the extremely difficult decision of rescinding their senior women’s licence in the SFL to allow a licence to become available for Sorell FC. This decision has not been made lightly and has taken significant consideration for all aspects of our club and football in the local area. We are extremely proud of the contribution and impact our club has had on women’s football in the southeast region. We’ve achieved some incredible milestones and have given so many women and girls a chance to play

football that they may not have otherwise had.

We believe that creating clear pathways and extended opportunities are extremely important for women’s football in the region and hope that this is achievable over time. We have been working with Sorell FC and are looking forward to seeing our club honoured on their jumpers, in their clubrooms and through heritage rounds in the future. We want to thank all of our sponsors, players, supporters and volunteers past and present for all of their support and wish all future senior players in the region all the best”

SFL President, David O’Byrne, “The SFL has always worked hard to ensure that any person in the south of the state has an ability to get involved and be a part of sustainable, strong and successful community football clubs.  The SFL was very happy to sit down with both clubs and look at ways we could strengthen the pathways and culture and viability of women’s football in the Sorell community.

“Both the South East Suns and Sorell are proud football clubs with much to celebrate of their proud history, the Sorell football club for many years and the South East Suns in their pioneering efforts in establishing women’s football in the region, the merger now creates the chance to build something that is even greater than the sum of the parts.

“We thank both the South East Suns and Sorell for their maturity and respectful approach to discussions on the merger.  We look forward to working with the Sorell FC on the final stages of their application to field under 18 and senior women’s teams”

Further, both the Sorell Football Club and the South East Suns  would like to thank the Southern Football League for their support in facilitating this merger and for their ongoing commitment to the growth of women’s football in the region. Special thanks are also extended to Emma Bygrave and the South East Suns executive committee for their ongoing dedication, support, and enthusiasm in what is a difficult time for the Suns but an exciting time for women’s football in our region.

The combined team will begin preparations for the 2025 season with pre-season training already underway. Both clubs are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players, coaches, and supporters.

Media Contacts:

David O’Byrne

President – Southern Football League

Phone: 0417374865

Emma Bygrave

President – South East Suns FC 

Phone: 0448810441

Robbie Iles

President – Sorell Football Club

Phone: 0428032602

Email: robbie@rosnybakery.com.au