Vale
Sal Rees
A tribute
Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Sal Rees, a true pioneer and pillar of the Darebin Women’s Sports Club. Sal’s contributions to our community are immeasurable, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
As a life member and founding member of the Darebin Women’s Sports Club, Sal’s dedication and passion for sports were evident in every role she undertook. She was not only a football coach and player but also excelled in cricket, soccer, and 8 ball. Her versatility and talent were truly inspiring.
In 1990 Fairfield Falcons were on the verge of folding and a group of local women including Sal was the salvation of the Fairfield Falcons and the beginning of the Darebin Womens Sports Club – they wanted a Club for Women, run by women.
In the first year they played in Fairfield with the men’s teams next to Fairlea Womens Prison – Sal loved this and they called them the Fairlea Falcons! Sal did some footy clinics in the prison, where Sal’s community and social focus started. After one season they had enough after having to wear the men’s jumpers on Sunday after they played in them on Saturday. The jumpers were mainly white with a red Stripe (so they were revolting) and the women were given a hard time, so a group found their own club. In 1991 they played under their own banner – a club run by women for women. At the time they were the only stand alone club in the VWFL. With the help from council they had a new home at McDonell Park in Northcote where they remained till 2005 Where we fought hard to get our very own custom built clubrooms.
Sal became club president in 1994 a role she held for 10 years where she steered the club to establish itself.
Sal won her first premiership with the Falcons in 1996.
Sal would tell me the story’s of number plates getting knocked form cars, alcohol in the water bottles, and a quick cigarette at quarter time, was the norm before Kerry Saunders took over as Coach!
In 2000 Sal instigated the name change from Fairfield Falcons to The Darebin Womens Sports Club with the Slogan – “Providing sporting opportunities to women” .
2001-2002 Sal was AFL coach.
2001 Sal launched the first club website and played her 150th AFL game that year.
Sal made history in 2005 as the first woman to play 200 VWFL games – wearing the number 17 – a testament to her skill, endurance, and love for the game. Her leadership extended beyond the field as she served as the club president for eight years and a board member for 14 years. Her vision and commitment helped shape the club into what it is today.
In 2007, the club honored Sal by naming the Sal Rees Club Person Award after her, a fitting tribute to someone who embodied the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and excellence.
Her prowess in 8 ball was equally impressive, winning the 8 Ball Doubles Championship with Guv in 2007.
In 2012, Sal’s hard work and determination were recognized when she was awarded the Most Improved Soccer Player.
Along with Sals many talent in playing the drums, being a DJ and running trivia nights and sporting memorabilia and her love of old cars and utes.
Sal Rees was more than an athlete and leader; she was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and leaders.
Thank you, Sal, for your unwavering commitment to create a better world by “Empowering Women and Girls through Sport” and for leaving a lasting mark on our community.
You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Written by Trish Riddell
Life Member – Darebin Women’s Sports Club