THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN AUSTRALIAN SPORT
Article by Emma Greenwood and Erin Smith courtesy of the Sunday mail.
1. MARY FOWLER
Matilda’s footballer, there has been no biggest star emerge in the Australian public’s view in the past 12 months than Fowler, what are the wholesome stars of the Matildas’ World Cup campaign. The fact Fowler is leading a campaign with global sportswear giant Adidas proves her influence extends beyond Australian shores to the hearts and minds of young women globally.
2 EMMA McKEON
Australia’s most successful Olympic athlete, McKeon will head to Paris looking to add to her career tally of 11 medals, including five gold. Named as the Young Australian of the Year in January, McKeon is the down-to-earth swimming champion who commands enormous attention from corporate sponsors and is involved in collaborations with not just sporting companies, but the tourism industry and is a UNICEF ambassador.
3 ANIKA WELLS
Has been shaking the foundations of Australian sport in the past 12 months, with many organisations held to account headlined by the likes of netball, rugby and swimming. With full control of the federal government annual sport’s budget and a key voice in ongoing funding decisions and infrastructure discussions for Brisbane 2032, Wells will have a lasting impact on our Olympics legacy.
4 CATE CAMPBELL
A vocal campaigner for women’s rights in sport after leading the athlete delegation on transgender policy in world swimming, Campbell is a multiple Olympics gold medallist chasing her record fifth Games selection later this year and is on the AOC board.
5 SIOBHAN McKENNA
Foxtel Group chair (5)
One of the most powerful women in the media landscape, McKenna is the chair of Foxtel and Fox Sports, as well as CEO of Broadcasting at News Corp Australia. Responsible for negotiating major TV deals for Fox Sports.
6 ARIARNE TITMUS
A reigning two-time Olympics champion, Titmus is one of the faces of the Paris Olympic Games and the Australian swim team. With possibly the biggest endorsement deals in the swim team, Titmus is the down-to-earth yet tenacious competitor that is endearing to all.
7 KATIE PAGE
Harvey Norman CEO (3)
Page’s influence in Australian sport comes into sharp focus in an Olympic year given the support Harvey Norman puts vast resources into initiatives across many codes and sponsoring the likes of Ariarne Titmus and surfing star Sally Fitzgibbons.
8 GINA RINEHART
Hancock Prospecting executive chair (9)
The richest woman in Australia moves up the rankings in an Olympic year given she directly funds more than a quarter of the Olympics team, including several of the most likely medallists in Paris. Without her support, it’s unlikely our top swimmers, rowers and beach volleyballers – just to name a few – would be able to devote their time fully to representing Australia.
9 SAM KERR
Matildas captain (1)
Australian women’s football team captain, Kerr led her country to a stunning World Cup semi-final last year as Matildas-mania swept Australia. An unfortunate knee injury will keep her out of the Olympics team this year.
10 ANNA MEARES
The leader of Australia’s Olympic Games team, Meares is a gold medallist and inspiring leader who will do everything in her power to ensure Australian athletes have the best opportunity to win gold medals in Paris.
11 JAYNE HRDLICKA
Despite recently resigning as the CEO of Virgin Australia, Hrdlicka’s influence and power in the world of sport is on the steady rise on the back of another record summer for Australian tennis. The Australian Open is without doubt the biggest annual sporting event in the country.
12 ALYSSA HEALY
Australian cricket captain (62)
Elevated to the prestigious role of Australian cricket captain after Meg Lanning’s retirement, Healy is a powerful voice in sport who also shows her true personality via a podcast platform Willow Talk and regular commentary with Fox Sports.
13 GAI WATERHOUSE
Horse racing trainer (2)
Racing’s first lady continues to command considerable power and influence in racing, as seen last month when she and co-trainer Adrian Bott sold outstanding colt Storm Boy to Coolmore Stud in a deal potentially worth more than $50m. The daughter of legendary trainer Tommy Smith remains a trailblazer.
14 CINDY HOOK
Brisbane Olympics CEO (15)
With the change of premier in Queensland and ongoing arguments about the redevelopment of the Gabba for the 2032 Olympic Games, nobody has more headaches or pressure in Australian sport than the CEO of the committee preparing for Australia’s next Games. Decisions in the coming months will determine if there is any legacy of the Olympics and if the Games are a success or failure.
15 KATE JONES
ARL commissioner (16)
After 20 years in politics, including minister for the Commonwealth Games in 2018, Jones has plenty of experience to bring as an ARL commissioner. Will play a key role in expansion and closing the equity gap between men’s and women’s players.
16 LAURA KANE
AFL executive general manager, football
Promoted permanently to the role in August last year following Andrew Dillon’s appointment as AFL CEO, Kane is one of the most powerful women in the game. The qualified lawyer brings more than a decade of AFL and club leadership.
17 JESS FOX
Likely pick as an opening ceremony flag bearers in Paris. A reigning gold medallist in slalom kayaking and favourite to add to her haul in Paris, Fox is also on the IOC Athletes’ Commission and has significant globals endorsements with the likes of Red Bull.
18 KYLIE ROGERS
AFL executive GM Customer and Commercial (12)
While she was overlooked for the role of AFL boss for Andrew Dillon, Rogers has taken on an expanded role, including overseeing the league’s strategic broadcast relationships across television, streaming services and radio partners. Arguably the most powerful woman in the game.
19 ASH GARDNER
A fearless competitor and key to the Australian women’s team’s continued success. The all-rounder, who attracted the highest contract price for any player in the inaugural Indian Women’s Premier League (WPL), won her second Belinda Clark Award as Australia’s best in all formats.
20 CATHERINE CLARK
Paralympics Australia CEO (60)
Heads a dynamic team with a huge responsibility for driving sponsorship revenue and organising Australia’s Paralympic team for Paris. Highly experienced administrator in netball, shooting and gymnastics.
21 SAM MOSTYN
First woman AFL commissioner
The first woman appointed to the AFL Commission in 2005 and former Sydney Swans board member, Mostyn continues to blaze a trail for other women to follow.
22 SARAH WALSH
Head of women’s football and legacy, Football Australia (22)
The former Matilda knows what it takes to play for the national team. She is on a mission to reform the sport to ensure it is inclusive.
23 LAUREN JACKSON
Basketballer (26)
She might not be lining up with the Opals in Paris but the legacy created by Jackson in her previous stints with the national team will always be motivational. She retired in 2006 – but returned at the age of 41 just as dazzling on court.
24 KAYLEE McKEOWN
Olympic swimmer
A triple gold medallist in Tokyo, McKeown heads to Paris a massive favourite to defend her 100m and 200m backstroke titles and write herself into Australian Olympics history. Content to let her swimming do the talking, McKeown has added three world titles and three world records in the past year.
25 JOSEPHINE SUKKAR, AM
Set to step down in May after being told she would have to reapply for her position, Sukkar leaves at a crucial time with many decisions being made now that will impact Australia’s 2032 Olympic performance.
26 EVELYN HALLS
Australian Olympic Committee vice-president (38)
Big role in a summer Games year for the ex-Olympic fencer who has forged a successful career as a lawyer and sports administrator, filling key roles on several national teams. Elected as AOC vice-president in 2022 and has since been appointed to the IOC Athletes’ Entourage Commission.
27 DAISY PEARCE
West Coast AFLW coach, Seven commentator (25)
In a bombshell move, Pearce left Geelong – where she was an AFL men’s development coach – late last year to be appointed AFLW head coach at West Coast. Foundation AFLW premiership player, All-Australian, mum of twins, AFLW premiership captain and astute commentator, Pearce’s impact on the game has already been significant.
28 JEN WATT
North Melbourne CEO (40)
Just the second female AFL club chief executive, Watt has more than two decades of experience in sport encompassing management, communications and executive roles. Before joining the Kangaroos in late 2022, Watt managed the MCC’s commercial operations after a lengthy role at Melbourne.
29 ELLIE COLE
Paralympic swimmer, commentator (31)
Retired Paralympic champion who is heavily involved in all levels of sport and is part of the panel who will decide the next chair of the Sports Commission.
30 CATE HEFELE
Kayo executive director (43)
As executive director of Kayo Sports, Hefele oversees the growth of Australia’s largest sports streaming service at a pivotal moment for women’s sport. Hefele is also a former NFL executive.
31 MOLLIE O’CALLAGHAN
Olympic swimmer
Already with two Olympic gold medals and three world titles, the swimmer known as “Mollie O” heads to Paris as one of the favourites for the blue riband 100m freestyle.
32 KATHRYN HARBY-WILLIAMS
Australian Netball Players’ Association CEO (56)
Emerged as a power player in the bitter and protracted pay war between Netball Australia and the Australian Netball Players’ Association, maintaining support from the entire Super Netball cohort despite the players going without pay for more than 10 weeks.
33 DR SONJA HOOD
North Melbourne president (35)
With her CEO Jen Watt, Hood is part of an all-female leadership team at the Kangaroos. A Kangaroos fan since childhood, Hood is determined to bring the good times back to Arden Street.
34 MARNE FECHNER
AusCycling CEO (39)
As the leader of one of Australia’s top Olympic and Paralympic sports, the former Netball Australia boss faces a big year ahead of the Paris Games and continued planning for a home Olympics in Brisbane on the back of a strong start in the role when she oversaw Wollongong’s successful hosting of the world road racing championships.
35 REBECCA McCLOY
Commercial director Sport, Fox Sports (45)
With responsibility for the sport acquisition strategy across Kayo, Fox Sports and Foxtel, McCloy manages the largest portfolio of sports media partnerships in the country. She has been involved in hundreds of domestic and international broadcast rights deals and is a power player as a key backroom negotiator.
36 ELLYSE PERRY
Australian cricketer (78)
Reinvented herself in the short formats of the game just when it seemed her T20 career could be hanging by a thread. The recently named Australian ODI and T20 player of the year also made a predictable impact for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the inaugural Indian Women’s Premier League and remains a player in demand from franchises around the world.
37 REBECCA FRIZELLE
Gold Coast Titans co-owner, Paralympics Australia director (21)
Frizelle has become one of the most powerful people – not just women – in Queensland sport through her ownership of the Gold Coast Titans, her involvement with the Paralympics and her addition to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics organising committee.
38 GRACE GRACE
Queensland Racing Minister (61)
Already with a major role in Queensland sport due to her racing portfolio, Grace is set to take a major role in the Brisbane 2032 Games with a spot on the organising committee following the resignation of former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on a move that will make her one of the power players in Australian sport.
39 STEPHANIE BELTRAME
Executive GM Broadcasting and Commercial, Cricket Australia (19)
One of cricket’s most respected and important executives, Beltrame is the cool, calm executive who has signed off on Cricket Australia’s past three broadcasting deals. The game’s TV rights underpin how the game operates and there’s plenty of pressure on Beltrame to deliver millions when it counts.
40 PROF MEGAN DAVIS
ARL Commission (42)
A leading Indigenous rights activist and human rights lawyer, Davis was appointed to the ARL Commission in 2017 and has been at the forefront of key policies such as the no-fault stand-down and expansion of the women’s competition. Along with chair Peter V’landys and Kate Jones, will spend another term on the Commission to continue work on the game she loves.
41 LIZ WATSON
Australian Diamonds captain (83)
A huge year for the Diamonds captain on and off the court where she continues to grow as a player and leader. Watson lifted every trophy available to the Aussies, including the big one, the World Cup, while often being the face of the ongoing and increasingly bitter Collective Player Agreement talks.
42 JELENA DOKIC
Tennis commentator (65)
Has superseded the “former player” tag to become one of the most respected voices in tennis broadcasting with intelligent and insightful analysis of players and the game. Away from the court, Dokic has also brought awareness to mental health through her own struggles which she has bravely documented on social media.
43 NATALIE COOK
Organising committee, Brisbane 2032 Olympics (75)
Over five Olympic appearances, legendary beach volleyball player Cook did it all, including winning Olympic gold with Kerri Pottharst in Sydney. A proud Queenslander, Cook was part of the first intake of board members for the organising committee for Brisbane 2032 and she’s investing in the next generation, launching a sustainable fundraising platform for athletes who dream of representing Australia.
44 KATE McLOUGHLIN
Chef de mission Paris 2024 Paralympics
The first woman to hold the position of chef de mission of an Australian Paralympic team when she led the Aussie side in Rio in 2016, McLoughlin will head to her third summer Games in charge in Paris later this year.
45 LIZ ELLIS
Lobbyist, media commentator
While Ellis no longer holds a formal media or commentating role, the former Diamonds captain remains one of the most respected names in netball. Her absence from the Netball Australia board, after the qualified lawyer made it known she wanted to help transform the ailing fortunes of the game, says plenty about the power divides still remaining at the highest levels of the sport.
46 LAYNE BEACHLEY
Patron Surfing Australia
The seven-time world champion was elevated to the status of legend in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame last year for her service to surfing, a sport she continues to give back to as chair of Surfing Australia. Remains a role model to a diverse group of athletes, young and old, including those she has formally mentored including Paralympic medallist Maddie Elliott and skateboarding Olympian Poppy Starr Olsen.
47 JUDE DONNELLY
Head of Government Relations, AFL (50)
A key adviser at league HQ. A former media manager at Richmond, Donnelly crossed briefly back to politics as a senior adviser in Canberra before returning to AFL where she has been for the past decade playing a central role in fostering government relations.
48 WENDY ARCHER
Netball Australia chair (52)
Assumed the role of chair in the fallout to the botched Hancock Prospecting sponsorship agreement and is the most powerful Netball Australia figure left standing.
49 MICHELLE PAYNE
Horse racing trainer, media commentator (100)
An iconic figure in Australian racing, being the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup with her famous victory on Prince Of Penzance in 2015, Payne retired from riding at the end of last year but remains heavily invested in racing as a trainer – and is idolised by thousands of young female jockeys throughout the industry.
50 MINJEE LEE
Golfer (76)
The world No.5 added two tournament victories to her CV in 2023, although she was unable to defend her US Open title. As good as any player on tour when at her best.
After a historic year for women’s sport in Australia with World Cups that captivated the country, News Corp’s annual Power 100 list of the most influential women in Australian sport has delivered some shock results.
While the role of women in high-ranking sports administration continues to rise, power and influence comes in many forms from controlling multimillion-dollar budgets to shaping the views of our next generation of superstar athletes via performance or social media.
What is clear from the success of the Matildas in 2023 is that nothing captures attention or inspires more young people to be involved in sport than champion athletes who humbly deliver world-class performances on the grandest stages.
This year the Olympics and Paralympics will showcase the best in sport and Australian athletes will be at the forefront of those events.
News Corp’s Power 100 list recognises star athletes and vocal advocates for issues in sport. We also highlight the incredible work done off the field by women who help shape Australian sport behind the scenes every day.
Here is the second day of the
two-part series.
