While the players are recognised for their performances week to week, those working off the field in club-land can sometimes go unnoticed. On Monday however, a North staff member was celebrated.

Membership Manager Emily Buysen was awarded the Jill Lindsay Scholarship at the AFL Women’s Industry Lunch. The award recognises one female working in the industry each year who has graduated from the AFL SportsReady program and has shown the most potential.

CEO Carl Dilena said it was a significant achievement.

“Emily has only been with us for a short period of time but her excellent work ethic and commitment to managing our membership team has been second to none,” he said.

“Emily has become an integral part of our club and already this season, we have set a new membership record and have seen positive signs in reaching our target of 40,000 members.

“These numbers are a credit to Emily and the enthusiastic and committed team she manages.”

Buysen was shocked to receive the award and was grateful to be recognised by the AFL.

“I was very honoured as I worked with Jill when I was a SportsReady trainee in the AFL ticketing department. Jill was someone I admired greatly and I learnt a lot from,” Buysen said.

Before arriving at North Melbourne, the 27-year old was the consumer communications manager at the Western Bulldogs.

Buysen will receive $20,000 for further study which she will put towards a Masters in Marketing at Victoria University.  She will also receive mentoring from Andi Pert, a HR consultant specializing in leadership development and executive coaching as well as a $750 Perri Cutten fashion voucher.