A historic weekend ahead, inaugurating the Flakelar-Skyrianos Medal in the Women’s First Grade fixture between Ainslie and Queanbeyan at Patches Asphalt Park.
This upcoming weekend of Premier Football promises to be action-packed, with two of Canberra’s heavyweight clubs going head-to-head. In edition to the staple Muir Medal, which has awarded the First Grade Men’s Best on Ground since 2006, this Saturday the Club’s will introduce an accompanying Best on Ground for the First Grade Women.
Zoe Skyrianos and Lauren ‘Lon’ Flakelar are stalwarts of Ainslie and Queanbeyan respectively and have forged highly decorated careers on the field with numerous premierships, achievements and individual accolades. The inaugural Flakelar-Skyrianos Medal is named in honor of the outstanding contributions Zoe Skyrianos and Lon Flakelar have made to both clubs and the Women’s game in Canberra.
Zoe has represented Ainslie 147 times between 2013 and 2025; a two-time premiership player, a five-time Best and Fairest Award Winner, two-time Bainrot Medalist and numerous mentions across the AFL Canberra Team of the Year. Zoe also skippered Ainslie sides for many years and is still a well-respected leader amongst her peers as she transitions into a coaching role at the Club. Her demonstrated skills and natural leadership also elevated Zoe in selection for several representative AFL Canberra sides over the years as well as earning the honour of captaining the side.
Lon has played 181 games for Queanbeyan (and counting) and is the recognised all-time Tigerettes record games holder. Her career consisted of eight Grand Finals – coming away with seven premierships, two Reserve Grade Best and Fairest Awards and Best on Ground Winner in the 2025 Reserve Grade Grand Final. Her commitment to Queanbeyan saw Lon recipients of Life Membership and a Wall of Fame inductee and recipient.
Off the field – the pair have been passionate pioneers for the growth of women’s football over the last two decades, in creating opportunities for the next generation and leaving a lasting impact.
In 2021, Zoe was the key initiator alongside teammate Allyson Flynn in introducing equal funding for both the Men’s and Women’s programs at Ainslie. After approaching the AFC Board with the idea, it was not long after that Ainslie would become a leader in this space and became the first Aussie Rules Club to commit to equal funding. A true legacy left behind at Ainslie, which rippled across the AFL Canberra landscape.
A player like Lon can attest to the tough road to playing footy as a female player where equal opportunities at local clubs aren’t afforded. Growing up in Orange, after AusKick graduation there were no opportunities for Lon and other girls to continue playing in her hometown. It wouldn’t be until Lon moved to Queanbeyan where she would have the opportunity to play footy again. Despite the hurdles Lon undertook to get back playing, her story is a testament to her love for the game where her passion and commitment have been immense to the development of the Tigerette’s.
Celebrate the legacy of two incredible women for a top of the table clash, an intense game expected as a fitting tribute prior to the inaugural presentation of the Flakelar-Skyrianos Medal.
Match timings for Ainslie vs Queanbeyan at Patches Asphalt Park.
Map Location: Margaret Donohoe Sports Complex, Queenbar Road, Karabar
- Women’s Second Grade, 9:00am
- Women’s First Grade, 10:45am
- Men’s Second Grade, 12:30pm
- Men’s First Grade, 2:25pm
Oliver Nguyen
Journalism Intern, Ainslie Football Club