North Melbourne has long been recognised as an industry trailblazer, so it’s no coincidence Laura Kane ended up at Arden Street.

More than 22 years ago, the Roos’ football operations manager started playing football and embarked on a life-long journey to support, promote and encourage women in Australia’s No.1 game – and well ahead of time.

“In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined the transformation that has occurred across the women’s football landscape over the past twelve months. I fell in love with football from the moment I first kicked a footy at Auskick all those years ago but knew my time with this amazing game was limited as a player,” Kane said as part of the club’s nomination for her to be recognised as Football Woman of the Year.

A former player, coach, administrator and board member, Kane’s experience combined with her vision, strategy and dedication has created significant opportunities for thousands of women in football.

The current president of Melbourne University Women’s Football Club (MUWFC), Kane has positively impacted the development and growth of the game, bringing about dramatic change and progression.

From grassroots through to assisting the development of the inaugural Tasmanian State League for Women, Kane has also assisted in establishing North’s industry-leading Next Generation Academy, aiding the development of over 150 girls on and off-field in North Melbourne, Wyndham and Tasmania.

It’s hard to find another individual who has done more for women in the sport, but even so, there’s one goal left to achieve – and that’s helping the Kangaroos to secure a highly sought after AFLW licence for 2019.

“I’m so excited by the prospect of being able to give females a voice and share of the limelight on our nation’s biggest sporting stage - as a North Melbourne footballer,” Kane said.

The Football Woman of the Year will be presented at the Fujitsu General Grand Final Comedy Debate on Thursday September 28 at Crown Palladium.