Saints president honoured for long serving contribution

Nangwarry Football Club’s Shane Ploenges has won the 2024 Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding contribution to grassroots community football.

Shane was presented with his award before more than 300 people at the SANFL Community Football Volunteer Awards ceremony at Adelaide Oval last night which recognised the tremendous contribution of dedicated volunteers at their local football clubs or leagues throughout the State in 2024.

Shane has been president of the Nangwarry Football Club in the Mid South Eastern Football League for a remarkable 26 consecutive years, taking on the role in 1998 when it was formerly Tarpeena Football Club.

During this time, he has also taken on additional roles as recruiter, coach, club umpire, managing the bar, and much more.

He has worked tirelessly at the club to ensure its future sustainability, even through some challenging times. He was also responsible for guiding it through the complete rebuild of its clubrooms several years ago after they were destroyed by fire in 2019.

In more recent times, Shane also has been instrumental in developing female football at the club and starting Nangwarry’s first women’s team.

Shane was one of seven finalists shortlisted from an outstanding 223 nominations for the 2024 Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award.

In accepting his award, Shane thanked the Nangwarry Football Club, the club committee and his family for supporting the “immeasurable” number of volunteer hours required at the club every week.

“There’s always something that’s just got to happen, but I’ve got a good committee and support from family. My daughter is secretary of the club so she keeps me in line and that helps,” he said.

Now in its eighth year, the SANFL Hostplus Volunteer of the Year Award aims to highlight those individuals who have provided outstanding voluntary service to community football in South Australia.

Hostplus Chief Executive Officer David Elia said Hostplus was proud to recognise the significant contribution of volunteers through the Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award.

“On behalf of Hostplus, I congratulate Shane on this outstanding achievement and offer him, and all the volunteers who sustain grassroots football in South Australia, my sincere thanks,’’ Mr Elia said.

“Hostplus is proud to support this award and recognise the important contribution these hardworking volunteers make to enable community football games to go ahead, week after week, right across the state.”

As the Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year, Shane was awarded the David Shipway AM Medal by Mr Shipway, a longstanding football administrator who is also SANFL Community Football Ambassador.

In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Shane also has won the following prizes:

• A one-night stay for two people at Serafino Winery, McLaren Vale, including a three-course dinner and breakfast, and the use of a brand-new luxury Kia vehicle to explore the famous wine region in style during their stay

• Two x Ultimate Football Memberships providing access to all AFL minor round home games at Adelaide Oval in season 2025, valued at approximately $1,600

• A $200 e-gift voucher (prepaid Mastercard), courtesy of the AFL