Sydney Swans director Sam Mostyn described how shock quickly turned to elation after learning of her AFL Life Membership.
Mostyn is one of 11 recipients, including former Sydney Swans skipper Jarrad McVeigh, who are to be officially awarded the honour at the 2017 AFL Annual General Meeting in March.
Under the provision of ‘Special Service to the Game’, Mostyn’s Life Membership is in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the game of AFL.
The first woman to be appointed to the AFL Commission (in 2005), Mostyn has for the past decade been a powerful advocate for the importance of people from diverse backgrounds having an active role in Australian football across all levels.
She often led debates on the AFL's Respect and Responsibility Policy as well as Indigenous and multicultural programs, while her role in increasing the participation of women and girls playing at all levels of the game was a significant factor in the development of the national women's league.
“I was completely surprised,” Mostyn said after learning of the recognition.
“I appreciate just how important of an acknowledgement it is and I’m very humbled to join the long list of incredible AFL names.”
She becomes the second woman awarded with Life Membership, following in the footsteps of long-time AFL administrator in the late Jill Lindsay.
“Jill was one of the first people I met when I first joined the commission in 2005,” Mostyn added.
“I’ve always held the greatest admiration and respect for her so it’s very special to be alongside her as a Life Member.
“She’s among the pioneers we all follow so I’m incredibly humbled.”
When Mostyn’s time at the AFL Commission ended in 2016, the Sydney Swans swooped with an offer to join the Club’s Board of Directors. She will be officially sworn in when the Club comes together for its Annual General Meeting on February 23.
McVeigh automatically qualified for Life Membership after the former skipper played his 300th AFL game. The 300 total includes home and away season games, pre-season matches and other AFL sanctioned fixtures. The 31-year-old has played 287 senior games, 20 pre-season matches and three International Rules fixtures for Australia.
Others to be awarded with Life Membership in 2017, having reached 300 total AFL games as an umpire, player or player and coach, are Gary Ablett Jr, Matthew Boyd, Luke Hodge, Dean Margetts, Simon Meredith, Matthew Nicholls, Leigh Montagna, John Birt and Ross Glendinning.
Les Bailey, a dedicated volunteer from the Geelong Cats, will be awarded the Jack Titus Service Award for his outstanding service to football.
