Goodwood Saints’ Jordan Dodd becomes first female president in Adelaide Footy League division one

A local footy power has elected a former councillor as the first female president in top flight Adelaide amateur football for over 20 years as it prepares to begin a new chapter next season.

One of SA’s biggest local footy clubs has elected the first female president in Adelaide amateurs division one for over two decades.

Former City of Unley councillor Jordan Dodd will lead division one Adelaide Footy League club Goodwood Saints into 2023.

Dodd was voted into the role on Wednesday night during the club’s AGM as it prepares to tackle the preseason.

She replaces club stalwart Craig Scott after he stepped down from the role last month.

“It’s absolutely a huge honour,” Dodd said.

“The club means so much to me and so much to the community so to even be considered is something I’m really humbled by.”

Former City of Unley councillor Jordan Dodd has become the first female president of an Adelaide amateur division one club in over 20 years. Picture: File

Dodd joined Goodwood in 2018 as manager of the club’s inaugural women’s U18s side and quickly fell in love with the club.

She said becoming the first woman to lead a division one Adelaide outfit since 2002 reflected the club’s open attitude.

“It’s amazing and just shows how far women’s football has come in such a short period of time.

“When I first got involved in football there were a few clubs who offered women’s footy but year on year there are more clubs involved and more women becoming involved at all levels.

“Around 40 per cent of our committee at Goodwood is women as well and there’s been a concerted effort to have that ‘one club’ approach – we have joint preseason programs, joint trainings, joint social events – we all play for the Saints and we all enjoy it together and learn from each other.”

Goodwood has been one of SA’s fastest growing clubs, with an increase in junior playing numbers each year.

Goodwood celebrates its 2020 division one Adelaide Footy League premiership. Picture: Dean Martin

While the club has not seen an A Grade premiership since 2020, Dodd believed she could continue the club’s development on and off the field.

“My background in helping the community and the love I have for the club gives me confidence I can do a really good job and I have a great committee and club supporting me, including Craig Scott who remains such a great mentor,” she said.

“Obviously we’re a football club first and foremost and I’m a highly competitive person so we want to reach the ultimate goal on the field, but we also want to continue to be a strong community club which can lead eht way and be a beacon for integration of people from all walks of life.”

Dodd also hoped her appointment would begin a trend across local footy.

“Seeing women in higher positions in footy is something I would have to see tomorrow but it’s definitely a process and each club has its own journey,” she said.

“As more women play and get involved, more women will take up important positions in clubs.”