Grand final field umpire Matt Stevic was announced as the All Australian field umpire for the third year in succession and for the 4th time in 5 years at the grand final cocktail party on Saturday night. Matt indicated that the announcement had taken him by surprise this year. “You cannot win these awards without the help of so many people,” said Matt when presented with his jacket by Umpires’ manager, Luke Ball. Matt went on to thank his fellow umpires, trainers, medical staff and family for their care and support over many years. Matt joins Brett Allen as the most “capped” All Australian with four gongs. Darren Goldspink and Brett Rosebury have 3 All Australians beside their names.
Robert Haala, was announced as the All Australian boundary umpire for the first time in his 285 game career. Ian Burrows leads the list of All Australian awards for boundary umpires with three. Rob turned his fortunes around after missing the grand final last year. “I couldn’t have done it without the special support of retirees, John Morris and Jonathan Creasey, two of my closest mates.” Rob went on to also thank the medical staff and his wife, Caitlin and their children for their on-going support.
Adam Wojcik won his second All Australian as the best goal umpire in the country. Adam adds this years award to the one he won in 2015. He now equals David Dixon with two. Luke Walker holds the record for goal umpires with four awards. Adam spoke in glowing terms of grand final emergency goal umpire, Chelsea Roffey and thanking her for her support over the grand final week. He was also complimentary of his colleagues support over the 2016 season.
