AFL FANS ASSOCIATION (AFLFA): “GIVING FOOTY FANS A VOICE”
The AFL’s most passionate supporters have been honoured in the 2025 AFL Fans Association Fan Awards, celebrating the extraordinary dedication and community spirit that fans bring to the game each week.
Now in its 11th year, the Awards recognise the individuals and supporter groups whose commitment, creativity and leadership embody the heart of Australian football.
The 2025 winners are:
Fan of the Year: Andrew Phillips – Sydney Swans (Melbourne based cheer squad)
Supporter Group of the Year: WA Crows Supporters Group (Co-ordinator: Alexandra Barnett)
AFL Fans Association President Ron Issko said this year’s nominees represented the very best of football fandom. “Every year we hear incredible stories of fans who go above and beyond, and 2025 has delivered some of the strongest nominations we’ve ever received,” Ron said. “Andrew Phillips and the WA Crows Supporters Group are shining examples of what makes footy supporters so special—community, generosity and an unshakeable love of the game.”
Fan of the Year: Andrew Phillips – Sydney Swans
Andrew Phillips has been awarded the 2025 AFL Fans Association Fan of the Year for his extraordinary commitment to the Sydney Swans Melbourne-based Cheer Squad and his tireless work behind the scenes.
A key member of the cheer squad’s leadership group, Andrew’s passion for the Swans commenced at the tender age of 4 when they were the South Melbourne Football Club based in Melbourne. His dedication often sees him working into the night with others at banner-making sessions and arriving early on game day, regularly contributing up to 20 volunteer hours each match week.
Across multiple nominations, Andrew was praised for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. New members consistently described how he made them feel valued from their first day, ensuring supporters of all ages and experience felt part of the cheer squad family. Andrew also manages logistics that most supporters never see, including:
- storing all the equipment at his home
- transporting gear to and from stadiums
- coordinating banner carriers
- ensuring flags, crepe paper and tape are always stocked
- fundraising for cheer squad activities
Andrew’s passion for the Sydney Swans, combined with his leadership and work ethic, make him a truly deserving winner of the 2025 Fan of the Year Award. A very excited Andrew said, "I am completely humbled and speechless to receive this award and have to give a big shout-out to my sidekick over the last few years, Mitchell Round for all the support he has given me.”
Supporter Group of the Year: WA Crows Supporters Group The WA Crows Supporters Group has been recognised as the 2025 Supporter Group of the Year for their remarkable growth, community spirit and unwavering passion for the Adelaide Football Club. Originally a small Facebook community started in 2019 by Shaun Trevena, Callum White and Kris Purvis, the group has grown into a vibrant network of more than 1,100 members. With Alex Barnett joining the group in 2020 they have brought South Australian footy culture to Western Australia with warmth, energy and inclusiveness.
Supporter Group of the Year: WA Crows Supporters Group
The WA Crows Supporters Group has been recognised as the 2025 Supporter Group of the Year for their remarkable growth, community spirit and unwavering passion for the Adelaide Football Club. Originally a small Facebook community started in 2019 by Shaun Trevena, Callum White and Kris Purvis, the group has grown into a vibrant network of more than 1,100 members. With Alex Barnett joining the group in 2020 they have brought South Australian footy culture to Western Australia with warmth, energy and inclusiveness.
Their contributions include:
- strong match-day turnouts, including major pre-game events
- regular social events and watch parties across Perth
- significant growth in game-day atmosphere, expanding from two to six rows of diehard fans at Optus Stadium, generating genuine excitement and noise
- extensive fundraising for the group member activities through raffles, signed merch, and community donations
- close ties with the Adelaide Crows, enabling unique auction items and supporter experiences
- outstanding volunteer leadership, with co-ordinator Alexandra Barnett widely praised for her enthusiasm, organisation and commitment
Members described the group as “a family,” “the best community,” and “a home away from home,” with many highlighting friendships formed through the group’s supportive culture. Their dedication, enthusiasm and inclusiveness make them exceptionally deserving winners.
Co-ordinator Alex Barnett, stoked at winning the award, said, "this award is a fantastic acknowledgement to our members in WA who continue to show up for each other and their commitment to the Adelaide Football Club they love so much. It’s an honour to accept this Award on their behalf." Celebrating Passion Across the AFL For more than a decade, the AFL Fans Association Awards have highlighted the incredible contributions of fans across the country—those who lift crowds, build communities, and create the atmosphere that makes Australian football so special.
Celebrating Passion Across the AFL
For more than a decade, the AFL Fans Association Awards have highlighted the incredible contributions of fans across the country—those who lift crowds, build communities, and create the atmosphere that makes Australian football so special.
AFLFA membership is free, and fans are encouraged to join at www.aflfans.org.au