The St Kilda Sharks Women’s Football Club have announced a major coup with the signing of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation as the club’s major partner for 2017 & 2018.

The Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation (SAMRF) chaired by Susan Alberti AC is dedicated to raising money for medical research, through a series of annual fundraising events.

Susan Alberti AC is a long-time supporter of football, having just retired from the role of Vice President of the Western Bulldogs AFL club, Susan is heavily involved in supporting women in football.

Susan has sponsored the Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL) since 2007 and currently supports the female umpire academy. Susan is a member of the AFL Women’s Football Advisory board and she continues to play a major role in advocacy and support for women’s involvement in all facets of Australian Rules football.

The VFL Women’s Premiership Cup is named in her honour.

Susan Alberti is a well renowned philanthropist who works tirelessly through the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation to raise money and awareness for medical research, particularly type 1 diabetes, which took the life of her only child.

St. Kilda Sharks President Tasma Ritchie spoke about the partnership,

“The Sharks are truly humbled that SAMRF has joined our club. Susan has made an enormous contribution to women’s footy and to society in general through her tireless work in business, in supporting medical research, and supporting women in sport. We look forward to working with Susan and helping to promote her foundation far and wide.”

Susan Alberti said she was proud to be a part of the St Kilda Sharks family.

“I am delighted to become the major partner for the Sharks.

“This is all about supporting women in sport. I am passionate about women’s footy and medical research and working with the Sharks will enable us to continue to spread both messages.”