The AFL is pleased to announce the thirteenth AFL Women’s National Championships will be held in Cairns from June 17-22, 2013.
Female footballers from across the country will battle if out for a new medal at this year’s AFL Women’s National Championships.
The championships, to be held in Cairns from June 17-22, will include the inaugural presentation of a Rising Star Medal – the Melissa Backhouse Medal.
AFL Female Football Development Manager Jan Cooper said Backhouse was an excellent choice to have the medal named in her honour.
“Mel has been a tireless worker at club, ACT rep level and instrumental at driving progress for female football at a national level,” Ms Cooper said.
“It is fitting that Mel be recognised for her efforts. I am mindful that as we grow our player numbers and develop our female football culture, that those who have provided energy and time to the development of the game are valued and given a place in football history.
“By taking on the name of the Rising Star Medal Mel will be recognised beyond the Nationals format when we instigate a national home and away format,” Ms Cooper said.
Backhouse was humbled when told the news. “I feel very privileged by this announcement. There are so many women who have given so much to football so I’m feeling grateful that I was selected,” she said.
“To have the Rising Star Medal is exciting because it means there will be some incredible players win the medal over the years.”
Melissa Backhouse football profile:
National Level:
2001 – 72nd player to represent ACT (176 players have represented the ACT since 1998. The ACT has played in every National Championships since their inception in 1998)
2001 – 2011 – Competed in 9 National Championships (played in every National Championships, except 2003, since 2001 to 2011)
2004 – ACT Player’s Player
2005 – All-Australian Team
2007 – Project Coordinator for hosting AFL Women’s National Championships in Canberra
2011 – Played her 50th representative game for the ACT at the Women’s National Championships ACT Women’s Australian Football League Contribution (Volunteer managed League)
2004 – 2008 – ACT representative at the National Female Football Advisory Council meeting
2005 – Director of Registrations
2006 – Director of Finance
2007 – President, ACT Women’s AFL
2008 – President, ACT Women’s AFL
2009 – President, ACT Women’s AFL
2008 – ACTWAFL Life Member (award instituted in 2007) AFL Canberra Women’s Contribution
2010 – 2012 – Co-Chair, AFL Canberra Female Football Advisory Committee
Club Contribution/Achievements:
* 3 x Eastlake Best & Fairest Winner
* 2 x Eastlake Best & Fairest Runner-up
* 5 x Premiership player
* Fourth player in ACT Women’s AFL to play 100 games for the same club * Played 142 ACTWAFL/AFL Canberra games for Eastlake FC as at end of 2011 * Played 195 ACTWAFL/AFL Canberra career games as at end of 2011
2002 – Eastlake Football Club, Women’s Best & Fairest Player – Eastlake premiership player
2004 – Eastlake Football Club, Women’s Best & Fairest Runner-up
2005 – Eastlake Football Club, Women’s Best & Fairest Runner-up – Eastlake Premiership player
2006 – Eastlake Football Club, Women’s Best & Fairest Player – Eastlake Premiership player – Vice Captain, Eastlake Football Club
2008 – Eastlake Football Club, Women’s Best & Fairest Player – Eastlake Premiership player
2011 – Eastlake Premiership player
