THE AFL has announced highly-respected Melbourne administrator Jennifer Watt as the 2016 recipient of the Graeme Samuel Scholarship.

Watt will receive $20,000 to contribute towards future study or professional development.

After starting as membership coordinator with Melbourne in 2003, Watt has performed the role of general manager of marketing and communications for the past seven years and established herself as a genuine leader in the football industry.

After graduating from a commerce degree, majoring in sports management and commercial law, Watt has worked in the sports industry for 17 years, including 13 at Melbourne.

Since 2013, Watt has had a range of roles at the club and currently oversees the marketing, brand, communications, community, events and digital areas.

Watt has played a key role in the development and implementation of a comprehensive brand strategy at Melbourne.

She has delivered significant partnership and event outcomes for the club, including ‘The Big Freeze at the ‘G’, the ‘Field of Women’ on three occasions and been pivotal in building the ANZAC Eve match.

Watt played an important role in the club’s pioneering push into female football.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said Watt was a deserving recipient of the prestigious scholarship and would join a long list of outstanding club administrators to have won the award.

“Jennifer is an integral member of the Melbourne Football Club executive team and is highly respected by her peers throughout the football industry,” McLachlan said.

“Her successful career progression is testament to her ability to build strong relationships within the football community and her commitment to the Melbourne Football Club.

“I look forward to witnessing Jennifer’s future accomplishments in football and wish her well in her future studies.”

Watt said she was “absolutely thrilled” to receive the scholarship.

“I feel very fortunate to work in the AFL industry and for the Melbourne Football Club in a job that I love with great people,” she said.

“This scholarship will provide me with the chance to undertake some really meaningful development, which I hope further grows the contribution I can make to the AFL and builds my skills for future roles.”

Watt thanked chief executive Peter Jackson and the club for playing its part in her achievement.  

“I am very grateful to benefit from the leadership of Peter Jackson and the club’s board, and the energy and skills of the great team of people that I work with at Melbourne,” she said.

“Without all of their influence, I would not be in a position to receive this scholarship and I thank them for that.”

Awarded by the AFL commission, the scholarship is named in honour of Samuel, who was a long-serving and foundation commissioner.

He played a significant role in the strategic direction of the AFL competition and Australian Football generally.