Hannah Dwyer Selected for Lead Your Way 2026 Leadership Program!
Big news from the Nest - and this time it's not about what's happening on the field.
Our very own Hannah Dwyer, of Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club, has been selected for the prestigious AFL Victoria Lead Your Way leadership program for 2026.
And we couldn't be prouder.
What is Lead Your Way?
The Lead Your Way program is AFL Victoria's annual leadership initiative designed specifically for women and gender-diverse leaders in community football clubs. Now in its third year, the program offers education and development opportunities for people at club committee, board, or executive level.
The goal? To increase retention of women in leadership positions by enhancing skills, confidence, and knowledge - while opening doors for leaders to continue progressing in their roles.
This year, 60 community football club leaders have been selected from across every AFL Victoria country region and metropolitan league. That includes 18 junior clubs, 40 senior clubs, and two umpiring groups.
Among the chosen leaders are 16 club presidents and vice presidents, with all other participants spread across a range of critical club roles including secretaries, women's and girls' football managers, and inclusion managers.
Hannah Representing the Hawks and the RDFNL
Hannah is one of only five leaders selected from the RDFNL, joining representatives from Lancefield (both senior and junior clubs), Riddells Creek Junior FNC, and Melton South FNC.
As Co-president and part of our executive team, Hannah plays a pivotal role in everything that happens at the club - from managing operations and coordinating sponsorships to supporting our coaches, volunteers, and players across both our senior and junior clubs. She's been instrumental in strengthening the connection between our senior and junior Hawks in 2026, creating clearer pathways for young players and building a culture where everyone feels part of something special.
Now, she'll be joining a growing network of more than 100 Lead Your Way alumni - accessing education, support, and development opportunities throughout the year.
What's Involved?
The 2026 cohort will meet for the first time on March 21st at the W Club for the official LYW26 launch event. From there, participants will embark on a year of education and development, with the highlight being the LYW Development Conference mid-year - a full day dedicated to leadership growth.
But the impact doesn't stop with the individual leaders.
Participants bring valuable resources back to their clubs, improving the experiences of players, coaches, and volunteers across the 58 clubs and two umpire groups represented. That means the entire Woodend Hesket community benefits from Hannah's involvement in this program.
Why This Matters
Community football doesn't run without strong leadership. And strong leadership requires support, education, and opportunities to grow.
Programs like Lead Your Way ensure that women and gender-diverse leaders - who are often doing the unseen, unglamorous, essential work that keeps clubs running - get the recognition, development, and backing they deserve.
Hannah's selection is recognition of the incredible work she does at the Hawks. But it's also an investment in the future of our club and our community.
Congrats, Hannah!
We're so proud to have Hannah representing Woodend Hesket in this program. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to making our club the best it can be doesn't go unnoticed.
Here's to a year of learning, growth, and bringing even more good stuff back to the Nest.
Congrats, Hannah - you've earned it!
Want to know more about Lead Your Way?
Applications for the 2027 program will open later in 2026. Find out more at play.afl/victoria/community-programs/lead-your-way
Go Hawks!
