2024 Jill Lindsay Scholarship Award recipients announced

The AFL is pleased to announce AFL Strategy Manager, Nadia Okraglik and Hawthorn Football Club's General Manager of Football - Box Hill Hawks Annelie Smith as joint recipients of the 2024 Jill Lindsay Scholarship at the AFL Women's Summit held on Wednesday 4 December.

The annual Summit, which was attended by women from across the AFL industry featured MC Jacqui Felgate along with key speakers including Four-time Olympic Gold Medallist, World Champion, Commonwealth Champion, and World Record Holder Ariarne Titmus, AFL Commissioner, Gabrielle Trainor AO, Executive General Manager Football, Laura Kane, Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch, AFL Executive General Manager People, Sarah Fair, Executive Director of Tasmania Football Club, Kath McCann and more.

The Jill Lindsay Scholarship was established in 2011 to support the development and career aspirations of talented women who are regarded as rising stars within the AFL industry.

AFL Commissioner, Gabrielle Trainor AO presented this year's scholarship to Annelie Smith and Nadia Okraglik, congratulating them on receiving the prestigious award.

Executive General Manager People, Sarah Fair said having joint recipients for the second consecutive year is a testament to the high calibre of talented women across the AFL.

"On behalf of the AFL, I congratulate Annelie and Nadia on being the deserving joint recipients of the 2024 Jill Lindsay Scholarship," she said.

"Annelie has been involved at Hawthorn Football Club for eight years, initially taking on the role of an Events Coordinator before successfully transitioning into the football department where she became the club's AFLW Football Operations Manager, before recently being promoted to the General Manager of Football at the Box Hill Hawks.

"Nadia has worked within the AFL Strategy team for the last two years, and has contributed to a number of major projects including the AFL's Cultural Diversity Strategy, AFLW Strategy, AFL Northern Territory Strategy and Club Workforce Talent Strategy.

"Both Annelie and Nadia are highly regarded leaders in their respective fields, and we're excited to support them on their exciting career journeys ahead as they continue to progress within the industry.

"The Jill Lindsay Scholarship is an important initiative that recognises talented women who are shaping the future of our industry, providing them with a unique opportunity to realise their career aspirations.

"It was wonderful to see such a high calibre of applications across the AFL and the 18 Clubs this year, further demonstrating the importance of our ongoing commitment and investment in the next generation of women leaders in our game."    

Annelie said she was honoured to receive the award in the name of Jill Lindsay and thanked those around her who have supported her career.

"Having been involved in the industry for eight years, I am inspired by the many women working across the league and thank the AFL and Hawthorn Football Club for this fantastic opportunity. I take pride in being a role model for up-and-coming women wanting to pursue a career in the industry and look forward to what the future brings."  

Nadia said that she was excited to use the Jill Lindsay Scholarship to further her ability to champion diversity and inclusion in the game.

"Through the Jill Lindsay Scholarship, I'm excited to develop my leadership skills and contribute to achieving the AFL's vision for everyone to love and connect with Australia's game. I'm passionate about inclusion and diversity and am proud to contribute meaningfully to our efforts in this space. I look forward to using this opportunity to further my aspirations within the industry."

Annelie and Nadia will each receive 12 months executive coaching and $20,000 to further their education and career development.

About Jill Lindsay:
Jill Lindsay served the AFL for 41 years in various roles including VFL Park match day manager and VFL membership manager before being appointed Grounds Operations Manager in 1991. On February 7, 2011, Jill passed away after losing her battle with cancer.

In recognition of her outstanding service to the AFL, the AFL Executive and Commission created the annual Jill Lindsay Scholarship to be awarded to aspiring female administrators in the AFL industry.

As part of our ongoing commitment to gender equity and creating a truly inclusive AFL, the Jill Lindsay Scholarship supports the development and career progression of talented women within our industry.

Previous Jill Lindsay Scholarship winners:

*Joint winners