THE AFL is pleased to announce Hawthorn Football Club's General Manager – Strategy and Infrastructure, Michael Lin, has been awarded the 2025 Graeme Samuel Scholarship.
Awarded to a highly talented senior AFL club administrator, the Graeme Samuel Scholarship provides the recipient with $20,000 to further their career aspirations within the AFL industry.
Since joining the Hawthorn Football Club in 2019, Lin has consistently demonstrated a blend of strategic acumen, ethical grounding, and passion for the advancement of Australian Rules Football, including in his current role as General Manager - Strategy & Infrastructure.
Through his work at the Hawks, Lin has displayed extensive leadership potential leading multiple complex projects, including the collaboration and development of the $113 million Kennedy Community Centre project. The project involved managing a multi-disciplinary team partnering together with all levels of government and the AFL and was delivered on time and on budget.
His contribution and work extends Hawthorn’s impact beyond the field with his involvement in numerous partnerships and community engagement initiatives, including supporting the Make a Difference Charity in Dingley Village to address cost of living challenges, and leading the expansion of AFLW into a new market in Cairns, using AFLW role models to facilitate year-round community programs focused on fostering social inclusion and wellbeing.
Lin also led the feasibility and establishment of the Hawthorn College of Sport, creating a non-traditional pathway for diverse talent to enter the sports industry, blending commercial merit with genuine educational opportunity.
AFL Executive General Manager People, Sarah Fair, congratulated Lin on his Award.
"On behalf of the AFL I'd like to congratulate Mick on receiving the 2025 Graeme Samuel Scholarship" Fair said.
“Mick is a highly regarded executive within the AFL industry with his dedication and passion extending far beyond his work at Hawthorn.
“Over the past six years Mick has delivered a number of significant projects, most recently leading the collaboration and development of Hawthorn’s new Kennedy Community Centre that will continue to shape the future of Australian Rules Football, from grassroots and talent pathways to the elite level, across both the men’s and women’s competitions.
“We look forward to seeing Mick realise his career aspirations and are confident that his leadership will continue to drive meaningful and lasting impact for our game.”
Lin said he was honoured to receive this year's scholarship.
“I appreciate the valued impact Graeme has had to the Australian sporting and business landscapes, including the AFL so it’s an incredible privilege to be awarded a Scholarship in his name.
“I am very grateful to the Hawthorn Football Club and AFL for their support and opportunity in my role to help foster valued partnerships which have a positive impact within our Community.
“I feel fortunate to work together with exceptionally talented colleagues and peers within our industry and appreciate their counsel.
“I would like to thank all at Hawthorn, in particular Chief Executive, Ash Klein and the club’s board for their generous leadership and investment in myself.
“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank my family including wife Hannah and daughters Maya and Zara for their source of love and inspiration.”
Lin will receive $20,000 to invest in further education and professional development.
Graeme Samuel
Graeme Samuel was one of the original AFL Commissioners when it was formed in 1984.
He resigned from the Commission in 2003 to take up the position of Chairman of the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission. Across two decades, Mr Samuel played an invaluable role in the strategic direction of the AFL competition and Australian football more broadly.
The scholarship has been awarded by the AFL Commission since 2004 in recognition of Graeme Samuel's contribution to the game, with the recipient provided with $20,000 to put towards a study course to further their career development.
Previous Graeme Samuel Scholarship winners:
2024 – Sam Graeme, Brisbane Lions
2023 – Marcus King, Geelong Cats
2022 – Peter Bell, Fremantle
2021 – Sue Clark, Western Bulldogs
2019 – Cain Liddle, Carlton
2018 – Cameron McLeod, North Melbourne
2017 – Kelly Ryan, Western Bulldogs/AFL
2016 – Jennifer Watt, Melbourne
2015 – Ameet Bains, St Kilda
2015 – Rosie King, Geelong Cats
2014 – Steve Rosich, Fremantle
2013 – Andrew Travis, Gold Coast SUNS
2013 – Cam Vale, North Melbourne
2012 – Simon Garlick, Western Bulldogs
2011 – Justin Reeves, Collingwood
2009 – Rob Threlfall, Geelong Cats
2006 – Steven Trigg, Adelaide Crows
2005 – Geoff Walsh, North Melbourne
2004 – Trevor Nisbett, West Coast Eagles
Note: The Graeme Samuel Scholarship was not presented in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2020 with joint winners awarded in 2013 and 2015.
