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THERE’S MORE TO FOOTY THAN FOOTY

It’s the faces, the stories, the sense of belonging.
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Footy is more than the game –  it reaches far beyond the field. It’s the player whose hobby turned into lifelong friendships. The umpire who took their first job and discovered a passion. The coach who simply gave it a go and now inspires the next generation. And the volunteer who stepped off the sidelines to make a real, lasting difference.

Footy doesn’t exist without its people, or the cultures, journeys and backgrounds that bring them together. What draws people in, and keeps them coming back year after year, is the sense of belonging it creates. The moments that stay with you: the goal after the siren, the teammate who becomes your closest friend, or finding purpose in a small role that means everything to your club.

We set out to capture those feelings and bring them to life –  to inspire you whether you’re discovering footy for the first time, giving it a go after years on the sidelines, or returning for another season and needing a reminder of why you love it.

THE 2026 INSPIRING STORIES

Coach

Anton Railey

Anton captured hearts in his community and attention across social media after performing the Haka at his team’s Grand Final. It made a lasting impact of connection, pride, and a sense of belonging that extended far beyond the final siren.
Watch their story

Player & Coach

Tamia Blackwell

Already a player at her club, Tamia decided to give coaching a go. Driven by a desire to see young girls grow in confidence and capability, that passion opened the door to something even bigger - designing the first Indigenous team guernsey.
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Umpire

Stephen Willcox

Stephen’s umpiring journey began 16 years ago. What started as simply driving his sons to training soon turned into lifelong friendships, social connection with his community and passing on life lessons to his sons.
Watch their story

Umpire

Muneerah Foster

Muneerah has always felt connected to football, and umpiring offered a pathway that honoured her cultural values. That opportunity grew into a passion, lifelong friendships, and the chance to officiate at AFLW level.
Watch their Story

Volunteer & Coach

Kevin Phillips

Kevin’s journey with football started by chance. Originally from South Africa, and knowing nothing about the game, it soon became a way he could support his son after a horrific accident.
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Volunteer

Ashton Oates

What started on the sidelines watching her boyfriend quickly became something more – a camera in hand and a passion for capturing the spirit of footy.
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Player & Volunteer

Josh Kirk

It all began with two branches for goalposts, set against thousands of acres of open land. For Josh, football is a chance to catch up with mates and stay connected, even while juggling life as a farmer.
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Player & Coach

Emma Waller

A lifelong basketballer, Emma tried football after welcoming her third child. What followed was more than a new sport – it was a sense of purpose and a chance to lead and be a trailblazer for those to follow.
Watch their Story

THE 2025 INSPIRING STORIES

Coaching

Ki Ryan

Ki is more than a leader; she’s a role model. Starting her coaching journey five years ago, she’s become a powerful advocate for the deaf community, proving that barriers can be broken.
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UMPIRING

BRONTE STRAY

Bronte began umpiring at 14 in Melbourne, later continuing in Alice Springs. Seeking to stay active after switching to a desk job, she returned to umpiring and has since officiated over 100 senior men’s games, proving women belong in the role.
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UMPIRING

AKA TSENG

Originally from Taiwan, Aka came to Australia as a backpacker, she knew nothing about AFL at first, but through umpiring, she found a way to connect with Australian culture, improve her English, and build a new community in Darwin.
Watch their story

PLAYING & FINDING YOUR SQUAD

ODELIA THAM

For Odelia, footy started as a way to try something new, but it quickly became so much more. As a senior women's player for the Randwick City Saints, she found not just a team, but a second family.
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COACHING

SIMON MACGREGOR

From Torquay to travels abroad, footy has been a constant in Simon’s life, connecting him to communities. After a decade overseas, he settled in Yamba and founded the Lower Clarence Suns.
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VOLUNTEERING

TRAVIS ANDERS

For Travis, being part of the Pioneer Football Club is about more than just the game - it’s about family, community, and continuing a legacy. His grandfather founded Alice Springs’ first Indigenous team, and now, as a coach, committee member, and all-around volunteer, Travis is dedicated to keeping that spirit alive.
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VOLUNTEERING

CJ MULVOGUE

CJ Mulvogue has worn many hats—team manager, goal umpire, canteen legend, even toilet cleaner, all driven by her passion for building an inclusive footy community. From championing women and Indigenous representation to making AFL accessible for all, her dedication to grassroots footy is clear.
Watch their story
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WATCH THE 2025 VIDEO

 

We travelled across Australia capturing inspiring stories that showcase the true spirit of our game, like Ki Ryan, an inspirational Deaf Coach forging the path, and CJ Mulvogue, an all-rounder volunteer that thrives on her passion for the people around her. Their stories, and that of 5 others, reach far beyond the footy field. Watch now to find out their more.