L-R: 2025 Toyota AFL Community Club of the Year, Minyip Murtoa FNC - Daniel Smith (Director of Football), Nikki Hotker (Director of Netball), Liam Brady (AFL Wimmera Mallee Club Development Lead), Chris Delahunty (Club President), Liam Newall (Committee Member), Ange Ballinger (AFL Wimmera Mallee Regional Manager). Image: Supplied
Australia’s grassroots heroes have been honoured, with the 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrating the tireless legends who power local footy clubs and leagues across the country.
With thousands of heartfelt nominations, Samantha Saffioti of Roleystone Junior Football Club in Western Australia has claimed the program’s top individual honour as Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year.
Joining Saffioti and rounding out the standout winners list is April Le Sueur from Rumbalara FNC in Victoria who has been awarded Toyota AFL Young Leader of the Year and Minyip Murtoa FNC in Victoria officially crowned Toyota AFL Community Club of the Year.
With a total prize pool of more than $130,000, thanks to the AFL’s Premier Partner, Toyota Australia, Saffioti takes home the keys to a brand-new Toyota Corolla Hatch SX Hybrid valued at more than $40,000.
Transforming the women’s program at Rumbalara FNC, with a focus on empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, Le Sueur’s passion and care has been celebrated through Toyota’s AFL Young Leader of the Year, scoring a new Toyota Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid.
As the Toyota Community Club of the Year, Minyip Murtoa FNC has been awarded for its work to set the standard in regional footy. Through key outcomes such as growing NAB AFL Auskick by 30 per cent, expanding programs for juniors and women as well as driving facility upgrades, Minyip Murtoa FNC have been dedicated in securing the future to become a destination club in the region.
The annual awards comprise of 13 categories to recognise volunteers spanning across umpiring, coaching, disability and inclusion, cultural diversity, media, schools, and grassroots participation programs including NAB AFL Auskick and for the first time, NAB AFL Superkick.
The 14 national winners will all receive a once-in-a-lifetime 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience where they’ll be able to soak up the incredible atmosphere of the last Saturday in September and participate in the Toyota Grand Final Parade.
See below for winners of the 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards
Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year
Samantha Saffioti - President, Roleystone Junior Football Club (WA)
Toyota AFL Young Leader of the Year
April Le Sueur – Women’s Team Manager, Chair of Women’s Football and Board Member, Rumbalara FNC (VIC)
Toyota AFL Community Club of the Year
Minyip Murtoa FNC (VIC)
NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year
Ben Watts – Coordinator, Wangaratta Auskick Centre (VIC)
NAB AFL Superkick Volunteer of the Year
Nikki Lee – Coordinator, Glen Innes Celts JFC (NSW/ACT)
AFL Diversity National Ambassador of the Year
Tom Starkey – Physical Education Teacher, Ngutu College (SA)
AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year
Dan Hilton – Starkick Coordinator, Ellenbrook JFC (WA)
AFL National Community Umpiring Service Award
Montana Harvey – Field Umpires Coach, AFL North Coast Umpires (NSW/ACT)
AFL Community Coach of the Year (Women)
Brooke Faulds – Youth Coach, Coach Coordinator and Committee Member, Kilburn Football Club (SA)
AFL Community Coach of the Year (Men)
Nathan Foale – Director of Coaching, North Hobart JFC (TAS)
AFL School Teacher of the Year
Danielle Wahapango – Teacher, Macquarie Fields Public School (NSW/ACT)
AFL School of the Year
Woodcrest State College (QLD)
AFL National Community Football Media Award
Glenn Stewart – Commentator, Central Murray FNL (VIC)
AFL National Community Football Photography Award
Anthony Byron – Club Photographer, Aspley Australian Football Club (QLD)