Hawthorn is thrilled to announce that Box Hill Hawks General Manager - Football Annelie Smith is the recipient of the 2024 Jill Lindsay Scholarship. 

Smith was recognised at the annual AFL Women’s Summit, held on Wednesday 4 December.

The Jill Lindsay Scholarship was established in 2011 to support the further development and aspirations of talented women who are regarded as rising stars within the AFL industry.

Having begun her tenure with the Hawks as Events Coordinator eight years ago, Smith has progressed into key football operations roles within the club’s AFL and AFLW programs, including serving as the club’s AFLW Football Operations Manager. 

After demonstrating an outstanding work ethic in those roles over a number of years, Smith has now taken on a new position as Box Hill’s General Manager of Football, overseeing both the Hawks’ VFL and VFLW programs. 

Smith said she was honoured to receive the award.

“I am very honoured and privileged to have received a scholarship named after the great Jill Lindsay. I would also like to congratulate my fellow recipient, Nadia Okraglik,” she said.

“Having been involved in the industry for eight years, I am inspired by the many women working across the league and thank the AFL for this fantastic opportunity, recognising the contributions we have made and investing in our growth.

“I would also like to thank Hawthorn Football Club for its immense support throughout my career so far, enabling me to step up to new and rewarding opportunities while fuelling my passion for learning and development.

“I take pride in being a role model for up-and-coming women wanting to pursue a career in the industry and look forward to what the future brings.” 

Hawthorn Chief Executive Officer Ash Klein congratulated Smith on her scholarship win.

“On behalf of everyone at the Hawks, I’d like to congratulate Annelie on being the deserved recipient of the 2024 Jill Lindsay Scholarship,” Klein said.

“When Annelie first arrived at the club eight years ago, her commitment to learning, development and getting the best out of herself and those around her was evident to see.

“Having been elevated to key roles in our AFL, AFLW and now Box Hill Football Operations teams, Annelie has established herself as a loyal and professional team member with a unique and diverse skillset. 

“Annelie has an incredible passion for learning and thrives when exploring new opportunities. We look forward to following her exciting journey ahead.”

About Jill Lindsay:

Jill Lindsay served the AFL for 41 years in various roles including VFL Park match day manager and VFL membership manager before being appointed Grounds Operations Manager in 1991. On February 7, 2011, Jill passed away after losing her battle with cancer.

In recognition of her outstanding service to the AFL, the AFL Executive and Commission created the annual Jill Lindsay Scholarship to be awarded to aspiring female administrators in the AFL industry.

As part of the AFL's ongoing commitment to gender equity and creating a truly inclusive AFL, the Jill Lindsay Scholarship supports the development and career progression of talented women within the AFL industry.

Previous Jill Lindsay Scholarship winners: 

*Joint winners

Feature image by Dylan Burns/ AFL Photos