About the EWN

Established in 1997, the Essendon Women's Network (EWN) has a proud legacy of providing an inclusive environment for members to connect and to enjoy football.

Led by women, the EWN is a dedicated and passionate group of individuals whose ambition is to support and unite people in all aspects of football participation, membership, and leadership. We are committed to engaging, informing and entertaining our Essendon Football Club community, fostering meaningful connections and friendships through the shared experience of football.

EWN membership is by paid subscription and is open to anyone who wishes to join.

The EWN fosters a collaborative, supportive coterie. Specific objectives are to:

  • Engage, inform, entertain and provide value to EWN members through events and communications
  • Recognise and celebrate the contribution of women to Australian Rules football (primarily through the Football Woman of the Year Awards)
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that empowers women and strengthens the bonds within the Essendon football family, in both professional and community football environments.

The EWN Committee

The EWN is run by a volunteer committee. The Committee members were born Bombers, are members of the Essendon Football Club, and are deeply passionate about our footy team.  We bring commitment, collaboration and a sense of fun to our committee roles, along with a mix of work experiences and skill sets.

Our current committee members are:

  • Nicki Kenyon (Chair)
  • Anna Fowler (Deputy Chair)
  • Natasha Crooks
  • Christina Guerra
  • Gabrielle Keegan
  • Katie Lio
  • Samantha McKelvie
EWN's 2024 Committee.

EWN Events

Grand Final Comedy Roast

The EWN hosts social and networking events for members and non-members throughout the year, culminating in its premier event - the Grand Final Comedy Roast.

Held annually on the Thursday of AFL Grand Final week, the premier event includes a comedy roast featuring some of Australia’s best comedians, along with a panel of experts previewing the AFL Grand Final.  The event also highlights amazing women who contribute to our game of Australian Football through the awarding of the Football Woman of the Year Awards.

EWN's 2023 Grand Final Comedy Debate.

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This year, the 2024 Fujitsu General Australia Grand Final Roast will be held on Thursday 26th September from 11.30am at the Crown Palladium.

The event will include:

  • Football Woman of the Year Awards presented by the Essendon Women's Network
  • AFL Grand Final panel hosted by Sarah Jones
  • First class entertainment from Australia's favourite comedians including Lehmo, Adam Rozenbachs, and Emma Race as they count down the top 10 funniest moments of the 2024 season
  • Access to an official after party
  • Premium two course sit down lunch
  • 5 hour premium beverage package.

For more information, ticket sales and event updates, follow the event’s dedicated website here. 

The Grand Final Roast is the Essendon Women's Network's premier annual event.

Football Woman of the Year

The Football Woman of the Year Award commenced in 1998, playing a vital role in recognising the important contribution of women at all levels of the Australian Football community. 

This award and the Community Football Woman of the Year Award is presented by the EWN with support from the Essendon Football Club, and endorsed by the AFL.

Previous winners have included Breanna Brock, Bec Goddard, Daisy Pearce, Jan Cooper, Peta Searle, Michelle Cowan, Belinda Duarte, Debbie Lee, Susan Alberti, Beverly Knight and Shelley Ware.

EWN's Football Woman of the Year Awards

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There are two categories of awards:

Football Woman of the Year - to celebrate and honour the achievements of women who have made an exceptional contribution within the Australian Football industry.

Nominations are assessed against the following criteria:

  • The nominee has played an active role within the Australian Rules community
  • The nominee has made a positive and measurable impact to the advancement of women in Australian Rules football
  • The nominee has demonstrated a willingness to publicly advocate and/or promote the important role that women play in football.

Community Award - to celebrate our unsung heroes who work on a volunteer basis whether at local or AFL level.

Nominations are assessed against the following criteria:

  • The nominee has played an active role within the Australian Rules community
  • The nominee has contributed to positive outcomes in the football community
  • Examples of positive outcomes to be provided.

Nominees can be self-nominated or nominated by a third party (with the approval of the nominee). All nominations are assessed against the criteria listed above, and finalists are short-listed by the EWN committee. Final judging is then conducted by an illustrious panel of previous winners.

Click here to access the Football Woman of the Year nomination form and terms & conditions. Click here to access the Community Award nomination form and terms & conditions.

Once completed, please submit the nomination form to essendonwomen@gmail.com by August 30, 2024.

The winner in each category is awarded at the Grand Final Roast.

Further information

If you’d like to join the Essendon Women’s Network click here.

If you would like to learn more about the EWN and its events, or would like to reach out to the committee, please contact essendonwomen@gmail.com.