The AFL is pleased to announce Adelaide Crows Football Administration Executive, Caitlin Brady has been awarded the 2022 Jill Lindsay Scholarship at the 14th Women’s Industry Summit held, Thursday December 8.
The annual Summit, which was attended by more than 500 female players and staff across the AFL industry featured keynote speakers such as General Manager of Women's Football Nicole Livingston, Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers, Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch, Lord Mayor Sally Capp, North Melbourne Football Club President Dr Sonja Hood, Melbourne Football Club President Kate Roffey, Western Bulldogs Football Club President Kylie Watson-Wheeler, AFL Executive General Manager People Sarah Fair and more.
The Jill Lindsay Scholarship was established in 2011 to support the further development and career aspirations of talented women who are regarded as rising stars within the AFL industry.
The 2021 Jill Lindsay Scholarship recipient, Rosie Butler presented this years scholarship to Caitlin Brady of the Adelaide Football Club and congratulated her on receiving the prestigious award.
Executive General Manager People Sarah Fair went on to congratulate Caitlin.
“On behalf of the AFL, I congratulate Caitlin on being the well-deserved recipient of the 2022 Jill LindsayScholarship,” Ms. Fair said.
“Caitlin has long been involved in Australian Football and has a strong passion for the game at all levels. Her current role at the Adelaide Crows sees Caitlin at the forefront of a hardworking football department excelling her strong work ethic and leadership. In 2022 Caitlin was also part of the AFL Industry NEXT Program – a program for our talented emerging leaders.
“Caitlin's career aspirations are exciting and as an industry we're thrilled she has identified clear goals and milestones across what will be a great journey.
“Each year, we receive an overwhelming amount of truly outstanding applications from women right across the football industry. The AFL Executive and General Managers had the privilege of reading through all the applications but also had the tough job of selecting a winner which was endorsed by the AFL Commission earlier this week.
“There are many talented women across the AFL and the 18 Clubs, and we remain absolutely committed to strengthening pathways and development opportunities to advance their careers in the industry. We're proud to invest in the future of these women and couldn't be more pleased for Caitlin. ”
Caitlin said she was honoured to receive the award in the name of Jill Lindsay and thanked those around her who have supported her professional career.
“I am very honoured and grateful to the AFL for making such a significant investment in my career and the careers of other women in our industry.
“I’ve been involved in football administration for almost 13 years, from grassroots right through to the elite level and I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that investments like this can have on women at all levels of the game.
“Above all, it is such a privilege to receive a scholarship in the name of Jill Lindsay, who was a pioneer in the industry and someone I have much respect for. Jill worked hard to pave the way for women to have these opportunities in football and I hope to carry on the work she has done through forging a path and encouraging other women to take the next step in their careers.
“Thank you to the Adelaide Football Club for their unwavering support and encouragement, as well as some of the incredible mentors in the industry I’ve had the privilege of learning from including Bec Goddard, David Noble, Gayle Wilson and Cathie Reid.
“They have taught me to lean in, take leaps and trust in myself, and I am so excited to now work with Executive Coach, Andi Pert, who no doubt will be invaluable in providing me with the tools and inspiration to continue to excel in my career.”
Caitlin will receive $20,000 to invest in further professional development and will receive 12 months mentoring from Executive Coach and Facilitator, Andi Pert.
Jill Lindsay
Jill Lindsay was a trailblazer in the AFL industry and in 2002, Jill was inducted as the AFL’s first female Life-Member in recognition of her 41 years working with the VFL/AFL.
Jill paved the way for women in the AFL industry. After Jill had courageously fought cancer and then passed away in 2011, the AFL established the Jill Lindsay Scholarship to create pathways for young women to move into the industry and to advance careers.
The Jill Lindsay Scholarship has traditionally been awarded to the female graduate with the most potential to come thorough the AFL SportsReady program, however, this year the eligibility was expanded to include all women employees across the AFL industry – AFL and the 18 Clubs.
Previous Jill Lindsay Scholarship winners are:
2021 Rosie Butler National Partnerships Manager
2019 Trish Squires Head of AFL Queensland
2018 Jessica Tedge AFL House Licensing Category Manager
2017 Maddy Collier AFL NSW/ACT Female Ambassador
2016 Chelsea Randall Swan Districts Football Cub
2015 Emily Wastle-Hopkins AFL Queensland
2014 Emily Buysen North Melbourne Football Club
2013 Lauren Byrnes AFL SportsReady
2012 Hayley Robinson AFL Umpires Association
2011 Nicole Rowlings Carlton Football Club
Please note: The Jill Lindsay Scholarship was not presented in 2020 and the AFL is pleased to be able to resume its annual presentation.
