Geelong VFLW midfielder Abby Favell has been honored with the den Hollander Geelong Cats VFLW Scholarship through Deakin University, recognizing her outstanding performance during her debut season with the club in 2023.
The scholarship, generously established by Jane and Jeroen den Hollander, is an annual recognition given to an emerging player within the Geelong VFLW program who is also a student at Deakin University. Jane den Hollander, the former Vice-Chancellor at Deakin from 2010 to 2019, advocates strongly for the transformative power of education in individuals and communities. The den Hollanders are ardent supporters of gender equity, particularly within the realm of sports.
Abby Favell, who joined Geelong in 2023 after prior experiences with the Hawthorn VFLW program and the Murray Bushrangers, earned her place in the Cats’ VFLW leadership group in her inaugural season in the Hoops.
Initiated in 2019, the scholarship has previously recognized Cats AFLW stars Nina Morrison and Becky Webster among its recipients. Its primary objective is to alleviate the academic burden for individuals striving to balance their studies with athletic commitments.
Entering the fourth year of her Occupational Therapy course, Favell expressed her delight at being awarded the scholarship. She stated, “I was very happy; I was honored, honestly, it was quite a shock.” Favell highlighted the significant impact the scholarship would have on her studies and her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Studying Occupational Therapy, Favell shared her enthusiasm for the field, emphasizing its broad scope and the myriad of opportunities it presents. Reflecting on the challenges of her academic journey, she expressed confidence that the degree would open doors to a fulfilling career in the future.
Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of the Geelong Cats, takes pride in its role as a co-major partner of the Club’s AFLW program. The collaboration underscores the commitment to fostering educational opportunities for athletes like Abby Favell, exemplifying the fusion of academic excellence and sporting achievement.
