Former AFLW great Erin Phillips has been crowned as the winner of the 2024 Fujitsu General Australia Football Woman of the Year award.

Announced during the Fujitsu General Australia Grand Final Comedy Roast at Crown Palladium on Thursday afternoon, Phillips was honoured for her outstanding contributions to women’s sport over a decorated professional career.

In addition to her on-field legacy as a three-time AFLW premiership player and two-time league best and fairest, the former WNBA champion has paved the way for a new generation of aspiring female athletes as a pioneer for women’s football.

A keen off-field ambassador for the sport, Phillips was also nominated for her social presence and willingness to support other AFLW players exposed to social media vitriol.

The 39-year-old is set to donate the award’s prize money to her childhood junior football club and cover the girls’ registration fees for 2025.

Alongside Phillips, Northcote Junior Football Club President Kellie Burns was named as the winner of the 2024 Community Award for her tireless commitment to developing pathways for junior girls players in the district.

Also serving as the head of Girls Football Development at the club, Burns is a strong role model for her community and a staunch advocate for women’s sport in the junior space, having a big impact on her club and the wider area.

See the full list of nominees for the awards below.

Football Woman of the Year

Erin Phillips (winner) – AFLW commentator, former AFLW and WNBA champion

Alex Morcom – Essendon AFLW player

Marnie Vinall – Sports reporter at The Age

Tanya Gallina – General Manager Commercial Operations and Partnerships at MCC

Bec Daniher – Campaign Director at FightMND

Chris Summers – Partnerships Accounts Manager at West Coast Eagles

Community Award

Kellie Burns (winner) – Northcote Junior Football Club

Sharlene Higginson – Merrifield Panthers Football Club

Ella Stephenson – Monash Blues Women’s

Deanne Coates – Melville Dockers, West Coast Eagles AFLW