Veteran Umps Earn AFL Life Membership

Mar 11, 2026 | Awards

Congratulations to Ian Burrows  and Jeff Dalgleish, who were awarded AFL Life Membership at the AFL’s Season Launch on Wednesday night in Sydney.  Burrows has rendered exceptional service to the game of Australian football over more than two decades, both on and...

Where are they now? – Alan Cook

Feb 19, 2026 | Where Are They Now?

An umpire who, if chased by cheetahs, would leave them in his wake is just the umpire who is my next ‘Where Are They Now’ participant. Allan ‘Cookie’ Cook took on umpiring in Mildura, inspired by his two older brothers and his father, Charlie. Charlie,...

Where are they now? – Phil Watson

Feb 3, 2026 | Where Are They Now?

Here are a few stats that will take your breath away. My next “Where Are They Now” subject is Phil J. Watson (Heritage Goal 203), who has officiated for 60 years in football across all disciplines. Phil began as a boundary umpire with the Sunday Football League,...

X-Umps Recognised In Australia Day Honours

Jan 29, 2026 | Awards, Member News

The AFL Umpires’ Association would like to congratulate life member John Marrapodi, and alumni Brendan Schwab and Professor Jeffery Borland on their recognition in the Australia Day honours. The Australia Day honours acknowledge Australians who have demonstrated...

Where are they now? – David ‘Spudda’ Levens

Jan 20, 2026 | Where Are They Now?

If this next ‘Where are they Now’ doesn’t get your attention, then nothing will.  David Levens umpired seven seasons on the Senior List ’71 to ’77.  In that time officiated in 36 VFL Senior matches from 1975 to 1977 until education & employment put an...