Transgender athlete Alanna Eddington has won the Women's Vic League 1 best and fairest award with Monash University Hockey Club in Victoria.
The 31-year-old player received the honour under the name Alanna Ward after polling 33 votes following a 32-goal season.
Eddington scored 27 goals during the regular season and added another five goals during the finals. She previously played for Southern United Hockey Club in the Men's Premier League from 2016 to 2019, and returned to play for the club between April and September 2021 before joining Monash University in 2025.
Field hockey in Victoria is governed by Hockey Victoria, which oversees state leagues and community competitions across the region. Women's Vic League 1 serves as an open-age competition accessible to players from the age of 14, while Monash University Hockey Club operates as a major suburban sports organization representing students and local community members in Melbourne.
The award has renewed debate over transgender participation in women's field hockey, drawing sharp criticism from rival players. One opponent stated she was "so angry" after learning that Eddington had won the top individual honour.
Opponents raise safety and fairness concerns
Another rival player voiced concerns regarding physical safety in senior women's matches. "Hockey is a fast and physical sport where collisions, sticks and the ball can cause injuries," she said.
The player added that while she respects individual participation rights, safety must remain a priority. "I have nothing against transgender women and I respect everyone's right to participate in sport, but I believe the safety and wellbeing of female players should also be considered. Women should be able to compete in an environment where they feel safe and have a fair opportunity to perform."
Eddington's award followed prior complaints submitted by parents and coaches during the season. An unnamed coach claimed that at least one opposing player was left in tears over concerns regarding Eddington's speed, power, and shots on goal.
"Many spectators have commented about safety concerns and the clear difference in impact during the game," the coach said. The complaints cited in the report did not identify any specific injury caused by Eddington on the field.
Governing body policy and player perspectives
In response to the complaints, Hockey Victoria reiterated its commitment to community inclusion guidelines. The governing body stated that it follows the national guidelines for the "Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Community Hockey," which allow transgender participation without mandatory testosterone testing.
"Hockey is a game for all ages and genders and prides itself on being a fair and inclusive sport," Hockey Victoria said in an official statement. "Hockey Victoria remains committed to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all participants."
However, another player who has competed across leagues in the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania shared a contrasting view in a social media post, encouraging critics to evaluate participants based on on-field conduct rather than gender identity.
"There are plenty of trans players out there. Just because you don't know them, doesn't mean they don't exist. Play mixed hockey. Gain some perspective," the post stated. The author noted that they had not played directly against Eddington.
The player described competing against transgender opponents as far back as 2008, noting two instances where physical play required refereeing intervention. "Obviously, that type of aggressive behaviour isn't acceptable regardless of the player. Again, I place the onus upon the team and umpires for not addressing this issue. She was a dangerous player. She would have been dangerous even as a biological woman."
Recalling seasons in the Australian Capital Territory during 2013 and 2014, the player noted that a transgender woman in the league "just played a normal game like everyone else." Reflecting on mixed masters hockey in Tasmania, the player added: "What this proved to me without a shade of a doubt, was that men can and will change their style of play to accommodate the style of play of women's hockey. The games weren't aggressive. They were still full of skill."
The player also recounted recently joining a Tasmanian club alongside a transgender man. "This is the first time I have ever played in [a team] with a trans man. And he was on my team," the post read. "What makes this league even better, is that it is a mixed league. Every team plays with both men and women on the field. And guess what? It works!"
The author concluded that team leadership and officiating are responsible for enforcing sportsmanship across all competitions. "The onus is upon the team to ensure that the player keeps things clean. Hockey is a team sport. So long as the player knows that and does the right thing.. what's the issue? If the player is acting unsportsmanlike? The umpires treats them like any other player."
Daily Mail has contacted Eddington and Monash University for comment.
