South Adelaide Announce the introduction of the Margaret Nyland Medal for SAFCW Best and Fairest Player

South Adelaide Football Club has named its Senior Women’s Best and Fairest medal the “Margaret Nyland Medal” in recognition of her ongoing support of the Club.

The SANFL’S first female Club Chairman when appointed in December 2017, Margaret retired from the position in February 2024.  

Her appointment as the Panther Club Chair coincided with the introduction of the South’s Women’s team into the SANFLW.  

During her tenure she was a strong supporter and benefactor of the Club’s female program and footballers.

South Adelaide CEO, Neill Sharpe, said it was a fitting honour given Margaret’s commitment to the Club.

“Margaret has shown a genuine passion for the Panthers and particularly with the rise of female football while Chair."

“She was also able to solidify the Club financially, navigate the COVID years and champion the Club in the community."

“The Board of the South Adelaide Football Club felt this was a truly worthy way to acknowledge her contribution to the Club.”

Margaret’s affinity for the Club commenced a long time ago when attending Gilles Street Primary School with South Champion Jimmy Deane being her favourite player.

In her professional life Margaret was a solicitor who was elevated to a Judge of the Supreme Court in 1993 and served until 2012. 

She was then appointed the Royal Commissioner to investigate the child protection system.

In 2005 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the judiciary, to human rights and the equal status of women, and to the community through a range of cultural organisations.  

She was at the Grand Final in 1964 and regularly attended SANFL matches over the last few decades.

In response to the advice of the naming of the medal in her name Margaret said that it was a great privilege and honour to have the medal bear her name.  

“I have a great admiration for all the women who play for us who so enthusiastically embraced the task of learning a game which was previously solely in the male domain."

“They have all worked hard to acquire the skills necessary to be good players, notwithstanding coping with demands on their time with school, work employment and family commitments."

“Those skills were very much in evidence just a few weeks ago when they conquered Norwood in the great Grand Final win at the Parade when they made all of us very proud.”  

The inaugural Margaret Nyland Medal will be presented on Friday night October 4 at the South Adelaide Men’s and Women’s Best & Fairest at Adelaide Oval.