Julia Banks (Chisholm, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

A great time in Aussie Rules sporting history was made in the heart of Chisholm at City Oval, the home of the Box Hill Hawks earlier this month. The establishment of the first VFL women's team was celebrated with the presentation of the Box Hill women's guernseys to the members of their first VFL women's team. The Box Hill Hawks has a vibrant and important place in football history, and was established in 2000. On this day in May, history was made again. On the night, there was an exciting, energising vibe and great speeches by President Tony Pinwell, General Manager David Napoli and inspiring coach Patrick Hill. The success of the Box Hills Hawks is underpinned by the support of the broader football AFL family and their collaboration and partnership with the Hawthorn Football Club. President Robert Garvey and Hawthorn Captain, Jarryd Roughead, both attended on the night and were a testament to this support as the Box Hill Hawks captain Melissa Kuys made great speeches. It was a poignant moment in history, because on the same day Tracey Gaudry was appointed as the first female CEO of an AFL club. I am very proud that the involvement of girls and women in this great and uniquely Australian sport was so warmly celebrated in Chisholm. To top off this wonderful celebration of women in sport, we heard from the all-female footy podcast The Outer Sanctum, who are rightfully very passionate number one ticket-holders.

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