Members of elite and community football came together on International Women’s Day to recognise high achievers in women’s football at the rebel Female Football awards breakfast.
Held annually, the nominees came from across the spectrum of the women’s game in Australia.
Here is a look at all of the winners and nominees:
Westfield W-League and Hyundai A-League awards
rebel Role Model Award – Ally Green (Sydney FC)
The Championship-winning defender balanced her W-League duties with her full-time role as the club’s Fan Engagement Coordinator in the 2017/18 off-season.
Nominated: Clare Wheeler (Newcastle Jets), Leticia McKenna (Perth Glory), Angela Beard (Melbourne Victory), Karly Roestbakken (Canberra United), Jada Whyman (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Female Coach of the Year – Mel Andreatta (Brisbane Roar)
Since her appointment as head coach in 2016/17, Mel Andreatta has helped develop a group of future stars and guided Brisbane to three consecutive finals appearances, as well as winning the W-League Premiership in 2017/18.
Outside of the game, Andreatta encourages players to develop their professional profiles, focusing on areas such as mental health, nutrition, charitable contributions and leadership.
Nominated: Ash Wilson (Newcastle Jets), Jessine Bonzas (Perth Glory), Gulcan Koca (Melbourne Victory), Catherine Cannuli (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Female Administrator or Support Staff of the Year – Nicola Browne (Newcastle Jets)
Nicola Browne scooped the administrator of the year award for her sterling work at Newcastle Jets as the club’s Finance and HR Manager.
Nominated: Jessica Allan (Sydney FC), Courtney Marsden (Wellington Phoenix), Sue Blaess (Adelaide United), Jessica Sage (Perth Glory), Jenna Johnstone (Brisbane Roar), Rita Mankowska (Melbourne Victory), Lisa Garner (Canberra United), Natalie Gatt (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Female Fan of the Year – Chris McAlister (Brisbane Roar)
A passionate and hard-working fan who encourages supporters to engage with club operations, Chris McAlister took out the Female Fan of the Year award for her integral role in forming the Roar Supporters Federation and a member of the Roar Corps.
Nominated: Rhonda Eaton (Central Coast Mariners), Naomi Munce (Sydney FC), Rebecca Baird (Newcastle Jets), Sue Kuhanez (Melbourne Victory)
Male Champion of the Year – Jeff Hopkins (Melbourne Victory)
A brilliant coach and well-respected mentor and leader, Jeff Hopkins is a true champion of the women’s game, demonstrated by the regard in which he is held across the football community. At his time with Melbourne Victory, he helped turn the club around leading to their first premiership in the recent 2018/19 season.
Nominated: Jeff Stewart (Sutherland Shire Football Association), Clayton McSeveney (Newcastle Jets), Garrath McPherson (Brisbane Roar)
