Video Shout-Out from Debbie Lee

Debbie’s vast experience in the football industry has lifted her into the top echelons of Australian Sport. Often referred to as a pioneer of Women's Football for her work both on and off the field.  

Click here for her story Hall of Fame Inductee - Debbie Lee

Debbie had a long and distinguished playing career, playing 302 games, winning five Helen Lambert medal (competitions best and fairest) captaining Victoria on six occasions was a six time All Australian and the list goes on....

Off the field Debbie was the President (2004-2012), whilst playing, of the Victorian Women's Football League, she also established the Sunshine YCW Spurs in 1993, the first women's football team in the West. 

But it is what she has done off filed which is inspiring.  Debbie has been advocating for women in football for decades.  She has navigated the complexities of male dominated sport and an industry, at a time when women weren't invited into the game.   She is a true change agent, it was her vision, her dedication and her drive that created the conversations that ultimately lead to the establishment of the AFLW competition and how we see women play the game today.

Debbie has been awarded as an AFL Life Member and more recently was the first ever female to be inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame, for recognition for her efforts and contribution to Women's Football both on and off the field. 

Debbie brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the sporting landscape, she has a great understanding of culture transformation, is proficient building high-performance teams, and is passionate about gender equality, inclusive environments and advancing women.  She has a full toolbox to share and has a lifelong journey and great genuine story to tell, that inspires.

Debbie is currently the National Women and Girl's Action Plan lead at the AFL.  She previously held position as the General Manager of Women's Football at both the Western Bulldogs' and Melbourne Football Club.  

Debbie is also a proud mum of Stevie (4) and Mack (7) and has a great unconventional family story, that only adds to her fascinating journey.

Off-field achievements:

• Founder of Sunshine YCW Spurs (first team in the western suburbs) in 1993, now VU Western Spurs;
• 2009 Football Women of the Year – Essendon Football Club;
• Debbie Lee Medal named in her honour awarded to the best player at the AFL's National Championships;
• Debbie Lee Rising Star Medal named in her honour awarded to the best first year player in the VFLW;
• VWFL Life Member; 
• Recognised in the National Sports Museum;
• Established the Spurs USA tour -  first AFL women's team to play abroad – Sept 2014;
• VWFL President 2004 –2012 (playing President);
• Board Member - Women's Sport & Recreation of Victoria;
• St. Albans Football Club (Founder/Executive board member);
• Member of the AFL Victoria's Strategic Advisory group 2013;
• Member of the Transition Working Group – AFL Victoria;
• Senor Coach St Albans Spurs; 
• Member of AFL Women's Advisory Group;
• Senior Coach State of Origin AFLW 2017;
• Women's Football Operations Manager, Melbourne Football Club ;
• General Manager, Western Bulldogs Football Club;
• Member of AFL Women's Advisory Group ;
• Member of AFLW Competitions Committee – current. 
• AFL Life Member 2020 
• AFL Hall of Fame inductee 2021

On-field achievements:

• 302 VWFL games 
• 5 x Helen Lambert Medal for competition Best and Fairest 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 & 2001;
• 6 x All Australian;
• 16 x State games for Victoria;
• 6 x State Captain for Victoria;
• 3 x Premiership player – 1991 (East Brunswick Scorps), 2004 & 2011 (Spurs);
• 1 x Premiership Captain 2004 (St Albans Spurs).
• Lisa Hardeman Medallist (Best on ground in Grand Final – 1991 and 2004);
• 7 x Club Best & Fairest;
• Club Captain at St. Albans Spurs 1991-2004.