Two northern Tasmanian football volunteers have topped the nation at the 2026 AFL Volunteer of the Year Awards.
East Launceston Junior Football Club president Nicolas d’Emden took out the top honour, the Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year, while North Launceston Football Club Auskick coordinator Felicity Smith was named NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year.
D’Emden, known in the football community as ‘Worm’, has given nearly 15 years of service to local football, holding almost every committee role across junior and senior clubs.
He currently serves as president of the East Launceston Football Club, volunteers on the NTFA Board and umpires as a goal umpire in the NTFUA.
“You don’t do these roles and take on these positions for anything like awards but it’s really nice receive recognition for everything you do over a year and plenty of years of local footy,” d’Emden said.
“I’m sure there’s hundreds of people that are just as worthy of recognition of an award like this and to be chosen as that person is a real honour.”
Smith has transformed participation at her club’s Auskick centre, growing numbers from just 15 children to well over 100.
“If clubs didn’t have volunteers then programs wouldn’t happen, so to see all of our juniors out on the park every Sunday, they’re happy and thriving and have something to look forward to each week,” Smith said.
Head of AFL Tasmania Damian Gill praised both winners.
“Nic is an outstanding contributor to football in Northern Tasmania,” Gill said.
He said Smith’s contribution had been “game changing” for her club.
Both winners will receive a ticket to the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final, a spot in the Grand Final Parade, return flights to Melbourne and three nights accommodation.
D’Emden also wins a brand new Toyota Corolla as part of the top award.
A total of 12 Tasmanians were recognised at a state level, with more than 3,400 nominations received nationally.
