Awards

Field umpire Matt Stevic was awarded with his 6th All-Australian award, his 5th in five years.  Matt who umpired in his 6th grand final (the last 5 in a row also) was a “clear winner”, according to AFL Umpire’s coach Hayden Kennedy.

His disarming smile and blonde surfer looks belie the resilience and focus of the most promising first or second year field umpire, Nathan Williamson.  The award is based on the rankings from the AFL Umpiring Department.

Josh hasn’t put a foot wrong in his two years on the AFL list.  Recruited from the WAFL at the tender age of 19, Josh came with high expectations having umpired the 2014 and 2015 WAFL grand finals.  He was also the recipient of the Devine Medal for the boundary umpire of the year in WA in 2015.

Goal umpire Luke Walker was announced as the Leigh Keen Shield winner for the fourth time on Sunday.  The award is the highest that can be bestowed on a goal umpire.  Luke was voted by his peers as the umpire who most typified the criteria, achieving on field success, actively contributing to and supporting the AFLUA and role modelling the attributes of commitment, loyalty and dedication.

Thursday 30 November saw AFL Goal Umpire, Chelsea Roffey presented amongst many other AFL greats with the annual stamp presentation at Windy Hill, Essendon.

Umpiring a grand final is one accolade that all umpires aspire too.  Then to be chosen as the best in Australia in your craft is the icing on the cake. 

When a new life member lives a retired life in Coffs Harbour it can be a logistical nightmare to get all of the parties in the one place at the same time to formalise the presenting of the certificate.

History was made on Sunday 23 November, when two of our highest awards had joint winners for the first time.