Geelong’s Darby wins Heart of Football Award

KATE Darby from the Geelong Football Club has been revealed as the winner of this year’s Tom Hafey Variety Heart of Football Award.

The prestigious award, presented by Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria in honour of the late AFL legend and Variety supporter Tom Hafey, recognises AFL and AFLW players who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and selflessness in their commitment to children.

Tom Hafey’s wife Maureen presented Darby with the award at this year’s Variety Toyota AFL Grand Final Lunch, held on Wednesday this week.

The annual event has been kicking goals for children in need for more than 30 years by raising money to support those who are living with disability, illness or are experiencing disadvantage.

Darby’s achievement acknowledges her exceptional commitment to the community, particularly in empowering children.

Beyond her role as an AFLW player for the Cats, Darby serves as a GMHBA Healthy Heroes facilitator, promoting healthy choices among children.

She is also a proud ambassador for inclusion and empowerment, fostering connections with diverse demographics.

Darby’s involvement in various initiatives, including IDAHOBIT Football Clinic and Special Schools Gala Day, demonstrates her dedication to making sports accessible to all children.

Port Adelaide star and Torquay footy product Travis Boak was also a finalist in this year’s award, alongside Brodie McLaughlin from the Gold Coast Suns and Darcy Vescio from Carlton.

Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria commends the dedication of all the finalists and looks forward to seeing their community work continue for years to come.

Darby follows in the footsteps of past winners who have also left a legacy of dedication to children.

Previous recipients of the Tom Hafey Variety Heart of Football Award include Emma Kearney, Scott Selwood, Robert Harvey, and Eddie Betts.