AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 29: All Australian Umpires Matthew Dervan, Matt Stevic and Michael Barlow pose for a photo during the 2024 AFL Awards at Centrepiece on August 29, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns / AFL Photos)
The AFLUA congratulates Matt Stevic (Field), Michael Barlow (Boundary) and Matthew Dervan (Goals) on being named All-Australian field umpires for 2024.
Matt Stevic was named All-Australian field umpire for the ninth time. The eleven-time Grand Final umpire continues to set the standard for AFL field umpires. Currently sitting at 496 games, if Stevic were to umpire all throughout the finals series and earn Grand Final selection, he could umpire his 500th game on the last Saturday of September.
Coming off the AFL Grand Final last year, Michael Barlow has continued his fine form throughout the 2024 season. Earning selection to the finals panel this year, no doubt he will be chasing his third Grand Final appearance, which would be an incredible feat from a career just seven years old.
Matthew Dervan will be hoping that his third All-Australian blazer will be as auspicious as his past two. Dervan has previously won All-Australian recognition in 2020 and 2022, coinciding with his two Grand Final appearances. Now with three blazers Dervan draws level with Adam Wojick as equal second for most All-Australian selections amongst goal umpires.
Congratulations Matt, Michael and Matthew on your achievements.