VAFA Umpires Association

09/10/2026

The VAFA had their awards night on Wednesday and three of our umpires received awards.

Ben Austin Award: Cooper Wood
Most Promising Umpire: Patrick Lynch
Umpire of the Year: John Collopy

Congratulations John, Pat and Cooper on a great year!

05/10/2026

Congratulations to our former VAFAUA President Ben McWiggan on being awarded the AFL London Umpire of the Year! Congratulations!

🎖️Ben McWiggan, Umpire of the Year.
Ben only arrived in London this year, but he’s already left his mark. A former VAFA Umpires Association President, he umpired at games all over London across the Season finishing off by taking the whistle for the Men’s Premiership Grand Final. Congratulations, Ben!

02/10/2026

Vale John Hinton

The VAFAUA is deeply saddened by the passing of John Hinton.

A valued member of the VAFAUA community, John umpired the 1978 Division 1 Men’s Grand final and the 1979 Premier Men’s Reserves Grand Final. John’s commitment to UA was reflected in 1980 10 year service award and his recognition as a life member. John and his son Wayne are also the first parent-child life members. John is also the grandfather of VAFAUA alumna and current AFLW boundary umpire Asha Hinton.

Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends.

May John rest in peace.

24/09/2026

Premier Grand Final Day tomorrow. Get down to Elsternwick Park, support our mates and grab a sausage.

Congratulations to everyone who has been appointed to the grand finals tomorrow.

23/09/2026

⭐️Congratulations⭐️ to the VAFA alumni who officiated in state league grand finals over the last week. We’re very proud of you all!

TLG
Jordan Gibson (F), Noah Meyers (G) and Tim Wood (EG)

TLB
Ben Lefebvre (F), Jack Seymour (F), Adam Bailes (EF) and Zane White (B)

SANFL
Lucas Harrison (F)

VFLW
Xavier Hendy (B) and Hayden Shillito (B)

VFL
Campbell Hymans (EF) and Corey Malcolm (B)

08/09/2026

🏆 VAFAUA AWARDS PRESENTATION NIGHT & FINALS APPOINTMENTS 🏆

Join us tomorrow night as we recognise the outstanding achievements of our umpires throughout the season and announce the Divisional Grand Final Appointments.

📍 Where: St Kilda Town Hall – 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
📅 When: Wednesday 9 September
⏰ Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
👔 Dress: Smart Casual
💰 Cost: FREE!

🍕 Free pizza and soft drinks will be provided on the night.

There’s no need to RSVP — just turn up!

Friends, family, supporters and VAFAUA Life Members are all welcome to attend.

Come along, celebrate the season and find out who will be appointed to the Grand Finals! 🏆

We look forward to seeing you there!

01/09/2026

🏆 Squad Olympics & VAFAUA 100-Year Photos🏆


⏰ 5:50pm – Arrival
🏅 6:00pm – Umpire Squad Olympics + 100-Year Photos
🍕 6:30pm – Tackle Your Feelings + Free Pizza + Grand Final Appointments



🔥 Umpire Squad Olympics
Squads will go head-to-head in a series of fun challenges testing teamwork, skill and competitiveness. Which squad will claim bragging rights and be crowned Squad Olympics Champions?



📸 100 Years of VAFAUA
We’ll capture squad photos and a special group photo celebrating 100 years of the VAFAUA. Make sure you’re in your full matchday umpiring gear!



🧠 Tackle Your Feelings
We’re excited to welcome Josh Ranger, AFL Umpires Psychologist, for an important wellbeing and support session. With finals underway, the session will provide practical strategies to help umpires manage pressure, challenges and the intensity that comes with big games.

With finals upon us, we strongly encourage all umpires to attend, get involved and make the most of this great night.

21/08/2026

MILESTONE ALERT🚨

Congratulations to Brendan Corcoran who will umpire his 700th game at the VAFA over the weekend and Rob Parry who will umpire his 500th game at the VAFA.

On behalf of the VAFAUA congratulations on incredible milestones.

📍Appointments Live on VAFAUA website

14/08/2026

🚨AFLW DEBUT 🚨

A big congratulations to former VAFA umpire Haydn O’Connor who will make his debut in the AFLW over the weekend. 👏👏🎉

This is an exceptional achievement 🙌

The VAFAUA wishes Haydn all the best for his future umpiring endeavours!!

13/08/2026

🚨AFLW DEBUT 🚨

A HUGE congratulations to former VAFA umpire Asha Hinton who will make her debut in the AFLW over the weekend. 👏👏🎉

This is an exceptional achievement 🙌

The VAFAUA wishes Asha all the best for her future umpiring endeavours!!