AFL Northern Territory is proud to announce that from this season, the Women’s Premier League Best and Fairest will be awarded the Gwynne Medal.
The medal has been named after Colleen Gwynne who has played a huge role in developing women’s football in the Northern Territory.
Having played three seasons with the St Mary’s Football Club and coached and played nine seasons with the Waratah Football Club, Gwynne has been a member of nine premierships. Gwynne has also represented the Northern Territory at a national level.
As a coach, she has been pivotal in the success of the Waratah Women’s Football team who has won five consecutive NTFL women’s flags; including last season’s grand final win over Wanderers.
Gwynne, who has not lost a game as a coach and has won four Best and Fairest awards for the Waratah Football Club has an unparalleled standing in women’s football in the Territory.
The Gwynne Medal, to be presented at the Nichols Medals function, will be awarded to the player determined to have been the ‘Best and Fairest’ throughout the NTFL season as per the umpires’ votes.
AFLNT CEO Michael Solomon said the decision was made to permanently recognise and honour Gwynne’s contribution to football.
“Colleen has made a remarkable contribution to our game in the Top End,” Solomon said.
“She has been instrumental in the success of the Waratah Football Club and her work alongside assistant coaches, players, and administration staff has always been first-class.
“Awarding the medal in her name was not a difficult decision; Colleen has played the game, she has coached the game, and she currently sits on the board of AFLNT.
Ms Gwynne said she was honoured to have the medal in her name.
“Being recognised for my contribution in this way is truly humbling; I am very proud to have a lifetime link to the NTFL, it is something that will carry on with my children," Gwynne said.
"I will really honour this, there’s no doubt about that. I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with football in the Territory and remain excited about the future of Women’s Football and thank AFLNT for all of their support.”
