The league formally came together at the NSW Bowlers Club in York St, Sydney to celebrate the year's achievements and to celebrate athe first decade of football. As the dress code was formal, there was many panicky emails and phonecalls for some who hadn't worn a dress for some time whilst others dusted off their formal wear for the night of nights.
The presentation started of with a welcome from outgoing and fantastic league president of the last two years Jemma Still before some very funny footage that showed the last decades worth of footage that was put together by the Bondi President and coach lIsa "Kiwi" Roper.
After that, rounds 1-5 votes were read out by Jemma Still and Michaela Ekman (Wests - one of three league players who have played continuously since the start).
The Golden Boot winners were presented by Jemma Still (see separate story) to large applause of the crowd.
The inaugural Golden Whistle was then awarded by the umpire's coordinator to the inaugural recipient.
Rounds 6-10 votes were then read out by Jemma Still and Christina Matthews (Balmain - another of the three players).
The good old chicken or beef dinner was served whilst our very first league years were celebrated with a dvd made by Larissa Roper as well as Nicky Breen's complation of the USA vs SWAFL match.
After that the Rookie of the Year award was presented by retiring great Newtown Breakaways Tarsha Gale.
The next award presented by Wolves and State Coach Jason King to the players player recipient.
Outgoing league president Jemma Still made her speech and thanked the many volunteers who had made this season one of the best ever as well as acknowledging the retirees who had hung up their boots at the end of an illustrious career. Natalie Morgan and Tarsha Gale mboth made heartfelt goodbyes before the whole room stood up to congratulate them both. Jemma was surprised by the NSWA AFL who awarded Jemma the NSW Volunteer of the Year for her tireless and voluntary efforts to promote the game as league president. Finally the exciting news that the success of the Illawarra Youth Girls has meant that Wollongong have indicated a preliminary interest in fielding a team in 2009. I guess there will be some trips down the F6 for all of us!!!!
The final rounds of the season votes were then read out by Yvette Andrews and Lucy Burgmann.
Karen James Lawson then read out the team of the decade to the excitement of the crowd as many recognised those names who had been selected.
Finally an upbeat presentation that celebrated the many highlights of season 2009 concluded the formal part of the ceremony before the parties partied the night away or had an early night for the GAA Finals.
Last Modified on 14/09/2009 13:13