Eleni Tee didn’t just break barriers in footy – she blew them apart, one whistle blast at a time. Now, the AFL’s first female field umpire is calling on South Australians to nominate other champions of women’s sport.
When Adelaide’s Eleni Tee picked up an umpire’s whistle in 2006 and ran onto the footy field, she had no idea it would be the start of a ground-breaking career.
“I was the only girl out there,” Eleni recalls of her early years umpiring in Adelaide. “It wasn’t easy, but I loved football too much to let anything stop me.”
Australian Rules Football had long been a boys’ club, but in 2013, Eleni became the first woman to officiate as a field umpire in a State League match anywhere in Australia. And she didn’t stop there.
Four years later, in 2017, she shattered another glass ceiling, becoming the first female field umpire to officiate an AFL Premiership season match – at the age of just 25.
The challenges of becoming a trailblazer
Growing up, Eleni played as much footy as she could at school. “But beyond school, it wasn’t really an option – there just weren’t clubs for girls when I was growing up,” she says.
When she saw an ad for umpiring in her school bulletin, she took a chance. “I loved fitness, I thought a bit of pocket money would be good, and I’d get to stay involved in the game. So, I gave it a go.” That decision led her to make history.
Breaking into the boys’ club
Eleni quickly discovered she had a real talent for umpiring. She loved the fast pace, the responsibility, and the way it kept her connected to the game she loved. “You’re right in the action, making split-second decisions – it’s exciting,” she says.
But as the only woman out there, the challenges weren’t just about making the right calls. From struggling with ill-fitting uniforms to a lack of female change rooms, there were constant reminders that umpiring had historically been just for men.
“When I first started, we wore white shorts,” she says. “That’s a lot to handle as a teenage girl, especially when you’re the only one.”
Eleni had to work twice as hard to prove she belonged in a male-dominated environment. “People doubted me just because of my gender,” she says. “You learn to block out the noise and focus on the people who matter – the ones who lift you up.”
Family support and recognition
Her family was her biggest support system. “Mum and Dad drove me to every training and game. They’d cheer me on, even when I was the only girl out there. That support made all the difference.”
Over time, Eleni’s trailblazing efforts earned her widespread recognition. In 2019, she was named South Australia’s Young Australian of the Year, and in 2021, she received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to umpiring.
“You can’t be what you can’t see”
Now, after returning from maternity leave, Eleni is balancing her AFL umpiring duties with a new role as SANFL Umpires Coach.
“It’s busy, but I’m passionate about creating pathways for the next generation,” she says. “Visibility is so important,” she says. “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Eleni says the rise of AFLW has transformed the landscape for women in football, inspiring more girls to pick up a whistle or a ball.
“AFLW has shown girls and women they belong in this sport,” Eleni says. “Now, we’re seeing more women thriving in all roles – playing, coaching, umpiring, and leading clubs. That’s real progress.”
The Power of Her: Driving change in women’s sport
The state government’s ‘The Power of Her’ initiative was launched off the back of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 through a Women in Leadership Symposium.
Under ‘The Power of Her’ banner, infrastructure grants, education programs and additional events have carried on the momentum of this movement that’s levelling the playing field for women and girls in sports.
Eleni joined the government’s Women in Sport Taskforce – which oversees The Power of Her – to help tackle the issues she’d experienced firsthand. “We’re looking at everything from better facilities to supporting women who want to step into non-traditional roles,” she says.
The Power of Her Recognition Awards
These newly-launched awards celebrate South Australians creating opportunities and driving change for girls and women in sport.
And the best part? They’re open to everyone, from grassroots clubs to game-changing leaders.
“There are so many people out there doing incredible things who don’t get noticed,” Eleni says. “These awards are about celebrating them and showing that their efforts matter.”
Award categories include:
- Emerging Leader
- Media Champion
- Sponsor Champion
- Champion Local Club (Metropolitan and Regional)
- Outstanding Organisation
- Champion of Change
Why it matters
Sport isn’t just about fitness (though that’s super important!). It’s also about confidence, connection, and opportunity.
Unfortunately, many girls still drop out of sport in their teens, often due to lack of access or feeling unwelcome.
“We need to change that,” Eleni says. “When girls see themselves represented, when they feel supported, it shifts what they believe they can achieve.”
Initiatives like The Power of Her have already made a difference. From funding flexible programs that fit around busy lives to building safer, more inclusive facilities, South Australia is leading the charge in making sport accessible for everyone.
Nominate someone today
Do you know someone championing women and girls in sport? Whether it’s a coach, volunteer, club, or organisation, now’s the time to recognise their impact.
Nominations for The Power of Her 2025 Recognition Awards are open until 11 February.
Winners will be announced at an International Women’s Day event, 12 March.
Visit thepowerofher.com.au to nominate and learn more.
