Peter Kelly, Rob Kerr and Mark Piccolo visited Sydney umpires at Macquarie University on Tuesday, 10 February.
At the dinner held following the visit, Rob Kerr provided an update on current CBA negotiations with the AFL, while Mark Piccolo introduced himself and outlined his role, including an overview of the framework for programs and services he will be delivering.
The evening also featured the presentation of several significant awards and recognitions. Michael Barlow and Daniel Field-Read received their 2025 AFL Grand Final presentations. Taylor Mattioli was awarded the 2025 AFL Goal Umpire Rising Star Award, while Ben Duce was presented with his Heritage Certificate.
Riley Guerin received both his 2025 AFLW Grand Final presentation and the AFLW Boundary Umpire of the Year award. Matthew Baigent was recognised as AFLW Field Umpire of the Year. In addition, Angus McKenzie-Wills was presented with his AFLUA Life Membership.
A similar dinner was held in Adelaide on Wednesday, 18 February. Presentations were made to Matt Konetschka, who officiated his seventh AFL Grand Final in 2025, and Michael Button, who umpired his first AFLW Grand Final and was named AFLW Goal Umpire of the Year.
Heritage Certificates were also presented to boundary umpires Adrian Pretorius, Ben Williams, Jake Creasey and goal umpire Braden Ford.
The evening concluded with Eleni Tee and Craig Fleer presenting a retirement gift to Leigh Haussen, who retired at the end of the 2025 AFL season. Leigh will be greatly missed within the AFL umpiring community.
Congratulations to all umpires on their outstanding achievements and well-deserved awards.
AFLUA staff Rob Kerr, Peter Kelly and Mark Piccolo catch up with the Sydney group.