The AFL Players' Association is pleased to announce that Libby Wakelin, mother of twins in Collingwood's Shane and Port Adelaide's Darryl is the winner of the second annual AFLPA / Kangaroos Network of Women (KNOW) Mother of the Year competition.

Libby, pictured above with husband Chris received her award at a special luncheon organised by the Kangaroos Network of Women.

Nominated by sons Shane and Darryl Wakelin, Libby Wakelin was judged Mother of the Year by a panel consisting of Di McKenzie from the Adelaide Football Club, Jo Curkpatrick from the KNOW, Karen Lyon football writer for The Age and Brendon Gale, Chief Executive Officer of the AFLPA, from nominations provided through the AFL Players' Association.

In the Wakelins' nomination, Shane Wakelin paid tribute to their Mum Libby, saying

"Since 1994, when I played in my first AFL season she has maintained her strong characteristics of loyalty and persistence, while remaining clam and composed with the greatest love and support. She has dedicated her entire life to supporting both Darryl and I and our older brother Michael pursue our football careers. During this period she has made the 3000km return journey from Roxby Downs in SA to Melbourne and back on no less than 80 occasions in addition to her countless trips to Adelaide as well as many interstate games. This will be her 13th year of continuous flying and driving and her enthusiasm and support for both of us is the same as it was in 1994."

With two sons as long term AFL players, Libby has shown ample commitment to both Shane and Darryl's footy careers.

Libby's abilities to meet the challenges of having her two boys initially relocate to Melbourne from the family base on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia to undertake their football journey, left the judges in no doubt that Libby is a super mum.

Entries for the competition were received from across Australia.