The Australian Football League (AFL) today announced that Collingwood’s Justin Reeves had been awarded the annual Graeme Samuel Scholarship.

Reeves, General Manager of Supporter Services at the reigning premier, was recognised for his industry-leading role in the club’s activities across membership, merchandise, digitial media and IT.

The scholarship, which was inaugurated in June 2003 to recognise Mr Samuel's 20-year contribution to the game as an AFL Commissioner, provides a $20,000 award to undertake further study at an educational institution.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said Mr Reeves was chosen based around the selection critieria:

•        recipient to be specifically working in the business and administration discipline of football
•        has at least five years work experience generally, including at least two in the Australian Football industry
•        has an ambition to work long term in the football industry
•        has demonstrated the capacity to be progressive with his/her current vocation  and be able to demonstrate examples of initiative and innovation.

"Justin is an extremely deserving winner of this scholarship, which will further his career development in the business and administration of football," Mr Demetriou said.

Collingwood CEO Gary Pert said ‘Everyone at the Collingwood Football Club is delighted to hear that Justin has been recognised on behalf of his team for the work that has been put in to developing our various supporter programs.

'The scholarship will give Justin the opportunity to grow his knowledge and experience to benefit the Collingwood Football Club and the broader AFL community. The club would also like to take the opportunity to commend the AFL on their various scholarship programs.’

Mr Reeves will receive $20,000 to fund a course of study from a list of postgraduate facilities endorsed by the AFL. The course undertaken will be at his discretion.