Leading from Behind the Scenes: Jonelle Ballantyne Spotlighted for Service to Country Football

In the heart of regional WA, where football brings communities together each weekend, there are dedicated individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the game goes on. One of those champions is Jonelle Ballantyne, the highly respected Operations Manager of the Mortlock Football League   and the Round 2 feature in the NuFarm Women in Country Football Spotlight.

Jonelle’s journey into football wasn’t planned it grew from family involvement. With her husband coaching and children playing, she found herself lending a hand in various roles around the club. That willingness to pitch in quickly evolved into something much bigger. Today, she is the operations heartbeat of the entire Mortlock Football League.

In a role that often flies under the radar, Jonelle handles everything from player registrations and club clearances to weekly matchday logistics. Her organisational expertise ensures the league’s eight clubs are ready to hit the field each weekend without a hitch.

Those who work with Jonelle speak highly of her calm, solutions-driven approach. Whether it's dealing with last-minute changes, responding to club queries, or guiding volunteers through processes, she always shows up with a smile and a can-do attitude.

But for Jonelle, it’s not about recognition. It’s about supporting the sport she loves and giving back to a community that has given her so much. “I just like helping people,” she said. “I like knowing that what I do behind the scenes allows others to enjoy their football.”

Her proudest moments come not from personal accolades but from seeing the league grow stronger year after year. She takes joy in seeing junior players coming through the ranks and the continued growth of female participation in the game.

The NuFarm Women in Country Football Spotlight recognises the outstanding contributions of women like Jonelle those who dedicate their time, passion and expertise to keeping community football alive and thriving.

Thank you, Jonelle, for being a driving force behind the Mortlock Football League and for your unwavering dedication to the game. You are an inspiration to volunteers across WA.