As part of Women’s Coaching Month, we’re shining a light on Annika Mighall – one of the TIO NTFL’s emerging leaders and a fantastic example of what’s possible for women in football beyond playing.
Annika’s journey in football is one of curiosity, courage, and steady growth.
Like many others, Annika started on the sidelines as a supportive footy mum. It was through this connection to her kids’ football that she discovered umpiring. In 2023, she joined AFLNT’s very first Girls in Green program – a targeted recruitment initiative designed to introduce women and girls to umpiring in a welcoming, community-focused environment. What began as a step to try something new quickly grew into a genuine passion.
Annika became a boundary umpire and threw herself into learning the craft. Within her first season, she demonstrated not only natural talent but also an impressive work ethic and a calm, coachable attitude that quickly earned the respect of her peers and coaches.
But what sets Annika apart isn’t just her own success on the boundary — it’s her passion for supporting others. In 2025, she stepped up as a key contributor to the TIO NTFL’s Female Umpire Mentor Program — a flagship initiative designed to connect young female umpires with experienced female mentors. Annika played an instrumental role in shaping the program’s success, helping to develop practical, on-the-ground learnings and providing direct support to the nine other female mentors involved.
Her leadership and ability to build genuine relationships were critical in creating a safe, supportive space where new umpires could thrive. Thanks to the work of Annika and her fellow mentors, the program achieved a significant milestone: three out of four umpires selected to officiate at the U12 National Championships were girls – a proud outcome that highlights the program’s impact on female participation and pathway progression.
Annika’s own journey was recognised on the national stage when she was appointed as a Boundary Umpire Coach at the 2025 Under 16 National Championships. She worked closely with AFL and AFLW coaches to deliver game-day coaching and real-time feedback to some of the country’s most promising young boundary umpires. Annika made history as the only community-based official in the country to be appointed to the championships that year – an outstanding achievement that speaks to her rapid development, leadership, and the high regard in which she is held.
Annika’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to play the game to be part of the game. Through coaching, mentoring, and her own umpiring journey, she’s helping shape the next generation of football leaders and proving that footy has a place for everyone.
If you’re a woman looking to get involved in football in a different way — as a coach, an umpire, or a mentor — Annika’s journey shows that it’s never too late to start.