Magpie’s top gong at lunch

THE women of Tasmanian football have let their hair down after another long season at the annual AFL Ladies’ Lunch at Blundstone Arena.

The event was highlighted by the announcement of the Tasmanian Football Woman of the Year, with Glenorchy’s Sandy Eaton receiving the award.

Eaton, a member of the Pies’ TSLW premiership win two weeks ago, received life membership at the club after notching her 100th game in July, in what has been a stellar 2018 campaign.

“It’s a huge honour and something I definitely wasn’t expecting so it’s a little bit of a shock, but it’s really exciting,” Eaton said.

“It will sit up there proudly alongside the premiership medal. It’s nice to be thought of as someone who has contributed to the growth of women’s football in Tasmania.”

The 35-year-old revealed she had made the call that this season was her last, premiership or not, but said winning the flag was a great way to end her playing days.

“To get the flag with Glenorchy has been a long time coming. It’s been nine years for me with this team and it was really nice to finish up with the premiership.”

Eaton says retirement won’t keep her away from her beloved Magpies and she expects to stay involved at the club in some capacity next season, with an assistant coaching role not out of the question.