AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder said the game acknowledged all those volunteer contributors around Australia who were recognised for their service to others today, and said Australian football was delighted that a number of long-term volunteers at community level, as well as contributors at senior state league level and volunteer directors for clubs in the AFL national competition, had also been honoured.
"The success of Australian football around the country is built on the service of volunteers, who give their time for others,” Mr Goyder said.
“Community sport around Australia, and certainly our game of Australian football, is carried by people who want to contribute to their local area and support the dreams of others.
“Football thanks all our volunteers again and I am particularly delighted that recognition comes for those who have made decades of contribution as administrators or coaches for their local football club, or worked in umpiring, or have supported players and clubs with their medical expertise.
“I also wish to congratulate Sydney Swans patron Basil Sellers, former Darwin Buffaloes Club President Frank Ahmat, Geelong Cats director Barry Fagg, Woodville / West Torrens Club President Christine Williams and former AFL executive Tanya Hosch for recognition of their outstanding contributions,” he said
2026 Australia Day Honours that include a contribution to Australian Footballas part of their recognition for community service:
AO
Basil Sellers AM. Service to the community and sports administration, including as patron with the Sydney Swans.
AM
Bruce Atkinson. Service to the Victorian parliament and people of Nunawading, including past service as a director of the Eastern Football League.
Phillip Cooper. Service to the indigenous community, including as a player and administrator with the Fitzroy Stars Football / Netball Club.
Robert Fitzpatrick. Service to surgery and the WA community, including two decades as chief medical officer with Claremont FC.
Tanya Hosch. Service to the community as an advocate for diversity and inclusion, including her past role as AFL EGM Inclusion and Social Policy.
Jan Kendall. Service to the community, including her past role as a director with Melbourne FC.
Brendan Schwab. Service to professional sport and as an advocate for athlete’s rights, including past roles as a director and vice-president with Richmond FC.
Paul Scurrah. Service to the transport industry, including past roles as a director with Gold Coast Suns FC.
‘Tuck’ Waldron. Service to the WA Parliament and sport, including as a former senior state league WAFL and SANFL player and past WA country football administrator.
OAM
Gary Adams. Service to sport, including roles with the Bena and Korumburra-Bena Football Netball Clubs.
Frank Ahmat. Service to Australian football, including as a past President and player with the Darwin Buffaloes.
Samaraweera ‘Sam’ Atukorala. Service to the Shepparton community, including a past role as an AFL diversity program ambassador.
The late William Benbow. Service to the community, including roles with East Fremantle FC and Karoonda JFC.
William Bruns. Service to the Cohuna community, including the Leitchville Gunbower Football / Netball Club.
Marcus Elsum. Service to the community, including senior volunteer roles with the Willoughby Wildcats.
Barry Fagg. Service to the Geelong community, including as a current Geelong Cats FC director and Geelong FC Foundation chair.
The late David Folley. Service to sport as an administrator, including six decades with the St Andrew’s Gardenvale and Caulfield Bears Football / Netball Clubs.
Dr William Gransbury. Service to the Angaston community, including 25 years as club doctor for Angaston FC.
Andrew Langford-Jones. Service to golf, along with 20 years service in senior volunteer roles with the VAFA, including as a past President / Chair.
Paul Litherland. Service to youth, including roles with South Fremantle and East Perth football clubs.
John Marrapodi. Service to Australian football as an umpire, including as a senior umpire and coach with the WAFL for three decades.
Barry Nicholls. Service to sport as a trainer, including past roles with the Coffs Harbour Swans.
The late Michael O’Rourke. Service to community sport, including more than five decades with the Rye Football / Netball Club.
Terence Perry. Service to the King Island community, including 16 years as president of the King Island Football Association and 12 years as secretary of the King Island Junior Football Association.
Peter Wallace. Service to the community, including President and Treasurer roles with Hamilton Football Club.
Craig Warman. Service to Australian football, including more than three decades with the O’Sullivan Beach Football Club and Southern Football League.
Christine Williams. Service to Australian football, including as current President of Woodville / West Torrens in the SANFL since 2019.
