The AFL today announced Jennifer Watt as the 2016 recipient of the Graeme Samuel Scholarship.
Awarded by the AFL Commission, the Scholarship is named in honour of long-serving Commissioner Mr Graeme Samuel.
A foundation Commissioner, Mr Samuel played a significant role in the strategic direction of the AFL competition and Australian Football generally.
As the 2016 recipient, Jennifer Watt, the Melbourne Football Club General Manager of Marketing and Communications, will receive $20,000 to contribute towards future study or professional development.
After starting as the Membership Coordinator with the Demons in 2003, Jennifer has performed the role of General Manager of Marketing and Communications for the past seven years and established herself in the football industry as a highly respected administrator.
AFL Chief Executive, Gillon McLachlan said Jennifer Watt was a deserving recipient of the prestigious scholarship and would join a long list of outstanding club administrators to have won the award.
"Jennifer is an integral member of the Melbourne Football Club Executive team and is highly respected by her peers throughout the football industry. Her successful career progression is testament to her ability to build strong relationships within the football community and her commitment to the Melbourne Football Club," Mr McLachlan said.
"I look forward to witnessing Jennifer's future accomplishments in football and wish her well in her future studies."
Jennifer said "I am absolutely thrilled to receive this scholarship. I feel very fortunate to work in the AFL industry and for the Melbourne Football Club in a job that I love with great people. This scholarship will provide me with the chance to undertake some really meaningful development which I hope further grows the contribution I can make to the AFL and builds my skills for future roles."
Melbourne's Jennifer Watt, the 2016 Graeme Samuel Scholarship recipient. Picture: Supplied
