Fremantle captain Kara Donnellan is one of four finalists for the Bondi Sands Emerging Leader Award, with the winner to be announced on Thursday at an awards ceremony in Melbourne at a function at Crown Palladium.

The award recognises young women who play an active role within the Australian Rules football community.

The finalists have demonstrated that they are leaders of the future through their talents and positive contribution, and are held in high esteem by their peers.

Donnellan is the General Manager, Community at Swan Districts and regularly travels to the Pilbara to deliver football-based programs to the community.

Through her role, Donnellan ensures that these programs are delivered by community members, clubs and leagues within a quality social environment which supports social inclusion and participation.

As well as playing a vital role as captain at Fremantle, Donnellan is the current senior WAFLW coach of the Swan Districts Football Club’s Women’s Program and oversees the development of all players from their talent pathway through to their senior list.

Past winners of the award include Amy Dwyer, Lisa Kennedy, Bridget Barker and Nadine Rabah.