AFLW INDIGENOUS Round will pay tribute to the contribution of Northern Territory footballer and advocate Ebony Abbott-McCormack who has been named as the 2023 AFLW Indigenous Round Honouree.
Ebony is the fourth person to be named as the Honouree for the dedicated round, following fellow honourees Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO (Season 5 - 2021), Alicia Janz (Season 6 - 2022) and Aunty Pam Pedersen (Season 7 - 2022).
Ebony's contribution to football over the last two decades has been outstanding on and off the field.
Growing up in Alice Springs, Ebony got her first taste of competitive football at the NT Buffaloes after moving to Darwin to play in the women's competition. In her first season, Ebony was named NTFL league best and fairest and awarded Best on Ground in the Grand Final.
Following the establishment of the inaugural Alice Springs women's competition 10 years ago, Ebony founded the women's team at the Pioneer Football Club, where she went on to win six premierships in the Central Australian Football League (CAFL).
Ebony's success on the field has seen her claim a host of accolades throughout her playing career including two League Best and Fairest (Margaret Liddle medal), two AFLNT premierships, NTFL League Leading Goalkicker award, two South Alice Springs Sporting Club best and fairest medals, runner-up in the 2023 CAFL Best and Fairest award, and most recently named in the top 10 female players in the Territory by NT News.
When she isn't playing the game, Ebony dedicates her time to umpiring in the under-15 boy's competition, men's reserve grade and women's senior grade. She is also an assistant coach of the women's team and junior teams and is the Team Manager of the Under-18 boys team.
Away from the football field, Ebony works full-time as the Regional Health Cultural Lead at NT Primary Health Network, is the Chair of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and a member of the Northern Territory Liquor Commission. She is completing a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotions at the University of Sydney and is the proud mother to five children, with number six on the way.
AFL Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch said Ebony's contribution to football and community is leaving an incredible legacy for future generations.
"Ebony's dedication to football both on and off the field, and her contribution to the broader community throughout the last two decades is one that deserves to be recognised nationally.
"Women like Ebony serve as role models and trail blazers for the next generation of Indigenous women both on and off the field. Ebony epitomizes the theme of Indigenous Round we couldn’t be prouder to name her our 2023 Honoree.
"We are incredibly proud that AFLW Indigenous Round gives us the platform to highlight people like Ebony and put her in the spotlight for the nation to see."
