Sport
4 October, 2026
Cairns AFL player receives English club’s supreme award
A CAIRNS AFL player has been awarded woman of the year at a London AFL club in her first season playing for the organisation.
Emma Van Dorssen received the award from the West London Wildcats AFL Club.
The club said both Emma and the man of the year were exceptional members.
“A huge congratulations to Emma and Sam, awarded our club woman/man of the year,” said the club on social media.
“Both of these Wildcats have been dedicated and outstanding in their contribution to the club on and off the field, which has been noticed by all around this season,” it said.
“These awards are extra special, as Emma receives it in her first season at Wildcats, whilst (sadly) Sam receives it in his final as he heads home after three amazing seasons that we’ve been lucky enough to have him at our club,” the Facebook post said.
Van Dorssen has been playing AFL since 2023 for Cairns Saints in the forward line.
The 25-year-old moved to London at the end of July 2025 and is currently working as a secondary physical education teacher at Bolingbroke Academy, London.
“I’m incredibly lucky to be part of such an awesome footy club here in London,” she said.
“London can be very chaotic at times, so having such a strong sense of community is really special.
“To be awarded women’s club person of the year in my first year is a huge honour.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve gone out of my way to do anything extraordinary – it’s just the kind of club that makes you want to say ‘yes’, put your hand up and help wherever you can.
“I can easily think of another five women at the club who are just as deserving of this award, which says a lot about the people and the community we have here.”
