West Coast AFLW star Dana Hooker has been recognised for her charity work with children with special needs by receiving the prestigious Eagles in the Community Award at the John Worsfold Medal presentation on Friday evening.

Hooker has been an ambassador for the Saba Rose Button Foundation since 2019, working with the not-for-profit charity to raise awareness and funds for disabled children and their families.

Funds raised help pay for these special children to participate in intensive blocks of physiotherapy, for specialised equipment, parental respite and home care.

The foundation’s work has helped many children walk and communicate for the first time, and to be able to better participate with their families.

Hooker’s ongoing support has been greatly valued by staff and families with her caring and approachable style.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank the club for acknowledging me for this fantastic award,” Hooker said.

“I feel very humbled to have received it and I’m sure there’s plenty of worthy people within the club who do great things out in the community.

“Obviously if I could do anything from winning this award it would be to raise some awareness for the Saba Rose Button Foundation, who I enjoy doing some work for as their ambassador.

“They do wonderful things with children with a disability in the community, they’re amazing to work with and I just really enjoy doing all I can off-field to help them.

“These wonderful children and their families are always striving for improvement to reach their potential.

“The barriers and obstacles for these troopers are greater than most will ever have to face in their lives, yet the positivity, support and drive of this community is incredible.

“I am the lucky one that gets to support this work and help grow the opportunities available and help these wonderful kids kick their own goals

“If there’s anyone out there who wants to jump on board and help them I’m sure the foundation would be greatly appreciative of that.”