The association lost its oldest living member with the passing of Wal Hopkins on 19 September 2025. Wal was the sixth known association member to reach the century mark and made a significant contribution to both umpiring and his community.
Born Walter Charles Hopkins in Seddon on 15 May 1924 he grew up in and around Footscray and never lived far from the Western Oval.
Wal’s passion for football began as a player for the Braybrook Football Club, the home of future champions Ted Whitten and Doug Hawkins. Eventually, Wally would shift to umpiring for the Footscray and District League.
In 1948, on the recommendation of the Footscray District Umpires Association, Wally was promoted to the VFL senior list, bypassing the usual progression through the VFL Reserve Grade.
Debuting at Woodside in the Alberton Football League on 24 May 1948 his travels expanded along with the post-war resumption of football throughout country Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. He averaged 20 VCFL matches per year over the 16 seasons he umpired with the VFL. Highlights included four grand finals in two seasons, 1952 and 1953 and a taste of the Reserve Grade. Those Reserve Grade matches came in late August-early September 1951 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Kardinia Park
When he retired at the end of the 1963 season Wal had compiled an impressive 2 VFL Reserve Grade, 306 VCFL, 9 Metropolitan and 2 Tasmanian matches. A total of 356 appointments which included 37 VCFL finals of which 7 were grand finals.
In 1958, after 10 years of service, Wal received life membership of the association as well as a Lifetime Achievement (Special) Award. The latter for his extensive work with the social committee and as master of ceremonies for many an association dance. He also contributed to the VFLUA cricket team as an opening batsman.
Following retirement from the VFL Wal returned to umpiring at the Footscray District League where he served as umpires’ advisor from 1965 to 1974. During this time, he noted, “It was always my ambition to have a young junior umpire under my care that would develop into a top VFL/AFL umpire, and my wish was granted, not once, but twice.” A VFL grand final umpire and 2025 Grand Final Ambassador, Mike Dye, and Peter Howe a regular VFL umpire, both well respected, were Wally’s pride as umpires’ advisor.
Beyond football, Wally led an incredible life of volunteering and service. He was awarded the highest honour in Australian scouting, was Maribyrnong Citizen of the Year, held seven life memberships, seven letters of appreciation and two citizens awards.
In 1998, Wally received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to community service.
Still active and sharp of mind at 100 he made a guest appearance at an X-umpires’ lunch in 2024. He recounted stories of his umpiring days, remembering details right down to scores and bus-trips.
After living in the same house for most of his life in Footscray, Wally moved to Arcare Aged Care Facility in Maribyrnong in 2024.
Wally Hopkins will always be remembered for his contribution to umpiring, service to the community, his kindness to all.
Contributors: Graeme Fellows, Jackson Kerr and David Flegg.