Tuesday, 9 December 2025

 Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery, Minister for Equality) (12:16): Ashleigh Riddell is a superstar, excelling at every sport when at Our Lady Help of Christians and Catholic Ladies’ College, particularly football and basketball. Her parents Carole and Tony encouraged Ash’s footy passion at Eltham footy club, despite no girls teams. Ash put on her boots and played alongside boys, many bigger and stronger, holding her own with her pace and skills. Over time, being a girl became an administrative challenge for some and her junior footy playing sadly ended. Through tears and disappointment, Ash turned to basketball and Eltham Wildcats, becoming a valued player and coach. Once the AFLW began, Ash saw possibilities never available previously. It was not easy. Ash stared down critics of women’s footy and used the self-belief and determination she had shown as a junior. Picking herself back up after every disappointment, she kept working hard, and maybe Vinnie’s tips actually did help. Wholly motivated to succeed in the only sport she truly loved, Ash found her place at North Melbourne. At every step she has had the unwavering support of her parents, brother Chris, Vinnie and her cheer squad of friends and family, including my dear friend Jenny. Congratulations, Ash, on your co-captaincy, on winning two premierships and being awarded the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year, North Melbourne Club Champion and the 2025 AFLW Best and Fairest. Eltham is very proud of you, Ash Riddell.