With the first local season of Melbourne footy and netball in two years having come to a close on the weekend, St Kilda and AVJennings have come together with the Southern Football Netball League to thank the volunteers who have been the heartbeat of their clubs.

Clubs in the SFNL have nominated members that they believe deserve recognition for all their hard work.

While all nominees will receive $100 from AVJennings as appreciation of their services to community sport, four standout members below have been rewarded with a further $400 to acknowledge their outstanding contributions to their clubs.

Gayle McLean – Keysborough Football Netball Club

Role: Canteen Manager

Background: Gayle’s involvement at our club dates back to when her son played junior football. She has been on the committee for both the junior and senior clubs as well as running the canteen for both, helps out serving behind the bar, cleaning of rooms after games and functions.

Length of time at club: 30+ years

How important are they to your club? The canteen is one of the club’s main revenue streams and as such Gayle’s management and operation of the canteen contributes to the club’s financial well-being.

Why the nomination:  Recognition for the decades of tireless contribution

Gail Smith - Dandenong Football Netball Club

Role: Vice President 

Background: Gail has worked so hard to get the club on the right track. She spends so much time making the club a comfortable environment for everyone. 

Length of time at club: Five years

How important are they to your club? We would be absolutely lost without Gail. 

Why the nomination: The recognition she deserves is more than she gets. She’s a superstar! 

Cody Ferries - Black Rock Football Netball Club

Role: Timekeeper and team manager

Background: Cody is a recently retired player and the brother of a current senior player. He gives up his Saturday to time-keep and perform team management duties. Cody is a single father to two young girls and BRFNC is an important social and community outlet for him and his family.

Length of time at club: 12 years

How important are they to your club? Being able to rely on someone to perform a role on game day every week really takes the pressure off the club's executive and coaches. Knowing that the job will be done without fuss, frees up the rest of us to focus on growing the club.

Why the nomination: To recognise Cody for the important work that he does around the club. He will appreciate the recognition and be able to use the prize to do something special with his family.

Walter Johannson - Moorabbin Kangaroos Football Club

Role: Sub Committee Member, Volunteer

Background: Walter has a rich history at Moorabbin, with his family all involved at the club over the years.

Length of time at club: Walter has volunteered at Moorabbin for over 15 years.

How important are they to your club? Helping in all tasks including, game day activities such as pregame set up, BBQ, bar and many other roles throughout the club.

Why the nomination: Walter brings positive energy and a smile to all the players and supporters, he is very well respected and loved at our club.

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES