Nominations are now open for the annual Footy’s Favourite Farmer competition, celebrating the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval.
The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club.
Last year’s winner, Royston ‘Doc’ Nettleton from the Orbost Snowy Rovers FNC, used his winnings to deliver practical safety improvements both on his dairy farm and at the club.
“The club installed concrete guttering and kerbing alongside our netball courts to stop gravel being washed onto the court during wet weather, which has got rid of a big slip hazard,” he said.
“We also replaced our farm’s old quad bike with a new side-by-side vehicle with full safety features like roll over protection. It’s made my day-to-day a lot safer.”
Victorians are being encouraged to share why their local farmer is deserving of the title for 2026.
WorkSafe chief executive officer Cathy Henderson said the competition recognised the vital role farmers play in their communities, while reinforcing the importance of safety in one of the state’s highest-risk industries.
“Agriculture makes up about two per cent of the Victorian workforce, yet regularly accounts for about 10 per cent of workplace fatalities,” Ms Henderson said.
“Prioritising safety in agriculture means farmers can continue showing up for the things that matter, like spending time with family and friends, or supporting the community through local sport.”
Monthly winners drawn in the lead-up to the major prize in August will receive a safety pack valued at almost $2000 which includes a WorkSafe Award-winning AirAgri personal safety locator device, a quadbike operator protective device (OPD), a Footy’s Favourite Farmer branded work shirt, along with footballs and netballs for their club.
The club that nominates the most individual farmers for this year’s competition will receive a bag full of WorkSafe Sherrin KB game footballs, valued at $1300.
Reflecting on the good news he received last year, Doc encouraged local communities to get involved in this year’s competition.
“I don’t do what I do for the pat on the back, but I’m proud to bring this home for the club and the community,” he said.
“Farming, footy and netball are all about looking out for each other and working as a team. If this helps keep a few more people be safe, then it’s a win for all of us.
“The prize money and support from WorkSafe and AFL Victoria has been incredible.
“We’ve made some great safety improvements at the club and my farm. If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, make sure you nominate them.”
WorkSafe will visit Warracknabeal, Tarwin Lower, Orbost, Hawkesdale and
Koroit for the remaining Country Club Weeks in 2026 – celebrating 25 seasons of supporting country sport and the people behind it.
Entries for Footy’s Favourite Farmer are open until July 31 2026.
