The WRFL Umpires Association honours past and present umpires, administrators and officials in its Hall of Fame.
The association has decided to honour past and present umpires, administrators and officials by creating a Hall of Fame. Incorporated in that will be a "Legends Status" for certain people that the committee decide this honour is warranted to be awarded. The intention is that a selection committee will use certain criteria that have been set to make a decision on a person worthy of entry into the Hall of Fame. It is intended to use the Mid Season Dinner Dance to launch this and in 2003, the "Year of the Umpire", a total of ten people were inducted including one given "Legend Status". Each year thereafter the committee will decide on further persons to induct with the intention that an honour board mounted on the back wall of the umpires rooms will be used to honour these people. All inductees will be honoured with a certificate and their photo will be placed on this honour board.
The first selection committee comprises Henry McFerran, Terry O'Donnell, Wally Hopkins and Frank Lane. This committee has set the criteria and will meet in February to select inductees. It is envisaged that over the years different people will form this selection committee but all working off the criteria that has been set by the first committee. Each selector serves for two years and is then replaced by two more. In the first term, two will step down only after the first two years with the other two stepping down in third year. This does not preclude the same selectors serving another term after a break.
Criteria for selection to the hall of fame:
1. In the first year 10 people will be inducted of which one will be given Legend Status. (It should be noted that any member of the Hall of Fame can at any time in the future be elevated to "Legend Status").
2. After the first year a maximum of two can be elected but this should not be taken as mandatory.
3. Inductees will be umpires past and present (all categories), administrators (executive members past and present), advisors, coaches and observers.
4. Inductees must have a minimum of five years of service with the FDL/WRFL umpires.
5. For an umpire to be eligible to be an inductee, the following should be taken into account:
a. ability whilst with FDL/WRFL umpires
b. attitude towards umpiring
c. attitude to training
d. service to FDL/WRFL umpiring &/or association
e. they must have umpired at senior open age level but not necessarily at division one standard.
6. The purpose of establishing this award is to recognise people who may not necessarily have progressed to a higher level in umpiring but who throughout the years have contributed to umpiring in the FDL/WRFL. Whilst the intention is to award high achievers at FDL/WRFL level, it does not exclude people who through their efforts over the years, be it at a level below first division, for their tireless work in improving the Umpires Association or umpiring in the FDL/WRFL.
7. It should be noted that the hall of fame committee in any year can decide that there be no inductees for that year.
8. To induct a candidate or elevate a person to Legend Status requires a 75% vote from the selection committee ie. three of the four selectors must agree on the nomination.
It has also been decided that a board of trustees will be formed to administer the above rules and only the people elected as trustees have the power to change the conditions of induction to the Hall of Fame. These trustees will be elected for life, unless a member wishes to retire. Any replacement will be appointed by the current executive of the time. The executive of the Umpires Association will have the power to remove a trustee but this would only be used under extreme circumstances or on the advice of all of the remaining trustees. Any change to the above rules requires a 75% agreement from the trustees.
The trustees in conjunction with the Executive Committee will decide each year when and where the Hall of Fame function will be held.
There will be four trustees and they will be:
1. The current WRFLUA President
2. Henry McFerran
3. Alan Shutt
4. Terry O'Donnell
| Inducted | Capacities | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
Mark Westgarth |
||
| 2025 | Field/Coach |
|
Ian McDonald |
||
| 2025 | Field/Executive |
League Life Member: 1976 GRAND FINALS
|
Steve Sutton |
||
| 2024 | Field/Executive |
President 2018-present
Division 1 Reserves: 2010 |
Geoff Tresidder |
||
| 2024 | Field/Executive |
Assistant Secretary ?-present GRAND FINALS
|
Robert Aitken |
||
| 2023 | Field | |
Evan Eliopoulos |
||
| 2023 | Field | |
Peter Daglish |
||
| 2022 | Field/Executive | |
Joy Cox |
||
| 2022 | Goal/Executive | |
Brett Carter |
||
| 2021 | Field | |
Tim Moloney |
||
| 2019 | Goal | |
Greg DenisonElevated to Legend status: 2025 |
||
| 2019 | Field |
Division 1 GF: 2013-15, 2017-19, 2022 Division 1 Reserves GF: 2000 Field Umpire of the year: 2013-15, 2017, 2019, 2022 (tied) VFL 2002-2010 (20 senior games, 49 reserves, 69 U18s) Treasurer 2023- Committee member 2014-16 WRFL/VFL observer
|
Bruce Pain |
||
| 2018 | ||
Richard Watt |
||
| 2018 | ||
Ashley Borg |
||
| 2016 | Field | |
Leo Keating |
||
| 2016 | Administrator/coaching | |
Andrew Fregonese |
||
| 2015 | Field | |
Laurence Cooper |
||
| 2015 | Goal | |
Adrian O'DonnellElevated to Legend status: 2021 |
||
| 2014 | Field |
Started Umpiring in 1991 at the age of 11 when he ran the boundary. First Div 1 Game in 1997 at the age of 17 Went to the VFL Development Squad in 2002 (“Didn't have the motivation and back then I wasn't a fan of pre-season training”) 314+ games in total in Div 1, with an impressive 34 finals (GF's and other finals included) Life Member (2003) Vice-President ?-? Committee ?-? Grand Finals
|
Paul BattagliaElevated to Legend status: 2018 |
||
| 2014 | Goal |
Started Umpiring in 1995 at the age of 52 First Div 1 Game in 1996 at the age of 53 18 years as a Div 1 Senior Umpire AWARDS: 1997 Neil Moorfoot Award for the most promising umpire 2000 Cliff Pryde Award for the most outstanding trainer 2008, 2011 Harold Mason Award 2009 Life Member GRAND FINALS: Div 1 Seniors: 1998-2001, 2003-04, 2008, 2011, 2013-15 Div 2 Seniors: 1996, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009-10, 2012 Div 3 Seniors: 1995 Div 1 Res: 1997, 2006 U15A: 2013 U14D: 1996, 2007 U12A: 2010 U11A: 1995, 2005, 2008 U11B: 2009-10 |
Mark MatherElevated to Legend status: 2024 |
||
| 2013 | Field | |
Kevin Lewis |
||
| 2013 | Field | |
Paul Claughton |
||
| 2012 | Field | |
Roy Hamilton |
||
| 2012 | Field | |
IAN STEWART |
||
| 2011 | Field |
DIVISION ONE SENIORS: 1982, 83, 84 and 1985 DIVISION TWO SENIORS: 1988 and 1989 UNDER 17A: 1981 |
PHILIP SNOW |
||
| 2011 | Field |
Life Member 1989 Social Secretary 1984- 1994 Umpired Divison one senior games over a 20 year period. DIVISION FOUR SENIORS: 1985 DIVISION TWO RESERVES SECTION 2: 1991 UNDER 17B: 1986 UNDER 17B: 1988 UNDER 16: 1990 UNDER 11B: 1989 |
NOEL GRANTElevated to Legend status: 2022 |
||
| 2010 | Field |
Umpired 1970-74 vfl reserve grade. 1975 -76 – on selection board to advisor Jack Hayes 1977-79 –Footscray District Advisor 1980 – on selection board under advisor Kevin Mckay. 1981-82 on board under John Knott 1983-84 on board under John Hutson. 1985- after 8 games was appointed to replace Harvey Otta as Advisor. 1985 – appointed goal umpires advisor under Terry O'Donnell DIVISION ONE SENIORS: 1984 (G) DIVISION ONE RESERVES: 1987 (G) DIVISION TWO SENIORS: 1983 (G) DIVISION TWO SENIORS SECTION 2: 1988 (G) DIVISION TWO RESERVES SECTION 2: 1992 (G) UNDER 13A: 1975 (F) UNDER 13C: 1987 (G) UNDER 15A: 1989 (G) UNDER 17A: 1981 (G) |
TERRY MCGARITYElevated to Legend status: 2023 |
||
| 2010 | Field |
After a distinguished career as a footballer and coach joined Footscray umpires in 1979.
From 1979 to current time has served as-
Board man with a number of advisors, has served on umpires selection committee with number of advisors,phys-ed trainer with number of advisors , wrfl director, umpires observer with number of advisors , umpired in both juniors and seniors at all levels. DIVISION TWO RESERVES SECTION 2: 1989 DIVISION THREE SENIORS: 1988 DIVISION TWO UNDER 18s: 2015 UNDER 15A: 1984 UNDER 17A: 1986 and 1987 UNDER 16B: 1990 and 1991 UNDER 14B: 2002 |
Noel Bunce |
||
| 2009 | Field |
Footscray district 1966-69, vfl reserves 70-71, vfl senior list 72-79 fdl/wrfl 82-99 Board Member: 1984 Executive member for many years DIVISION ONE SENIORS: 1969 (B) DIVISION ONE RESERVES: 1987 DIVISION TWO RESERVES: 1986, 1989 and 1990 DIVISION TWO RESERVES Section 2: 1988 DIVISION THREE SENIORS: 1983 UNDER 17A: 1985 |
Graeme HodgartElevated to Legend status: 2014 |
||
| 2009 | Goal |
Footscray district / wrfl 1979 – 1989 , 1990-97 AFL supplementary list , then vfl /vfa senior list, 1998 – 2009 wrfl Goal Umpire Head Coach: 2010 to present Sydney exchange 1999 Tasmania exchange 2003 life member 2006 editor scovell news Umpired 43 VFL Games Umpired 43 VFA Games Umpired 43 AFL Reserves Games DIVISION ONE SENIORS: 1989, 1999, 2002, 03, 07, 08 and 2009 DIVISION ONE RESERVES: 1988 DIVISION TWO SENIORS: 2001, 04, 05 and 2006 DIVISION THREE SENIORS: 1983 and 1987 DIVISION FOUR SENIORS: 1984 UNDER 17B: 1981 UNDER 11A: 1987 UNDER 15B: 1988 |
Peter Chettle |
||
| 2008 | Administrator |
20+ years with association as goal umpire President: 1982 Life Member: 1983 Tireless worker for umpires |
ERIC KNIGHT |
||
| 2008 | Administrator |
life member: 1982 Umpired through 70' and early eighties. Did many odd jobs when association had no home base. Held BBQs at his home and at his work. Responsible for the lighting now at ground. Inducted 2005 life member 1978 through 70's was the board secretary.many times when no home functions at his home. |
Robert (Bob) Manton |
||
| 2007 | Field |
GRAND FINALS
|
Terry O'DonnellElevated to Legend status: 2011 |
||
| 2007 | Field/Adviser/Executive |
Adviser: 1986-2002 Secretary: 2003-present Instrumental in setting up the umpiring academies. VFL list 1966-85 (417 VCFL games including 5 Grand Finals) Helped develop modern laws for International Rules Australian Sports Medal: 2000 GRAND FINALS |
Ken Greig |
||
| 2006 | Field |
Awarded for services to umpiring through 1960's and 70's. Life Member: 1970 President: 1970 GRAND FINALS
|
Wally HopkinsElevated to Legend status: 2013 |
||
| 2006 | Advisor |
Umpires advisor: 1967-72* Life Member: 1972 Hall of Fame committee: 2003-04 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. |
Alan CloughElevated to Legend status: 2008 |
||
| 2005 | Field |
Awarded for services to umpires throughout 70's – acted as board secretary at that time.
The Western Region Football League wishes sincere condolences to the Clough family after the passing of Alan Clough OAM. Alan was a decorated member of our community, having been involved as both a WRFL Umpire and a player of the Seddon Football Club. Alan became a WRFL Life Member in 1980 and was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 for his service to the sports of Australian Rules Football and Lawn Bowls and to the community. He was secretary to the Umpires Advisor between 1978-1984 and umpired across all levels for more than 26 years. In 2005 he was awarded a place in the WRFL Umpires Association Hall of Fame for services to umpires throughout the 1970’s, before being elevated to Legends status in 2008. Alan also held several roles at the Seddon Football Club, including President, Committee member and Player. He also served as a Captain Coach during his tenure with the club. He was inducted as a Club Legend of the Seddon Football Club in 1988. Alan played 17 games with the Footscray Football Club (now Western Bulldogs Football Club) and was as Committee member at the club after his playing days. The league administration and the wider WRFL community’s thoughts are with the Clough family. |
John BookerElevated to Legend status: 2015 |
||
| 2005 | Field |
Awarded for services to umpiring thru 70,80,90's to 2010. Category of administration and field umpiring. Umpired well in excess of 1000 games in WRFL. 23 grand finals as a boundary umpire including 3 in a row division one GF's in early 70's.. (1971-72, and one either 1970 or 1973) 15 years on executive including 5 as secretary and a year as vice president. |
Stan MielczarekElevated to Legend status: 2010 |
||
| 2005 | Field |
Awarded for Services to Umpiring through 80s ,90s and up to 2010. Has contributed over $100,000 in funds to the Umpires Association. Stan umpired at junior level as field and senior level as goal umpire. He acted as club umpires liaison on a number of occasions. He ran the footy trip until he passed away.
|
Frank Lane |
||
| 2004 | Field |
Assistant Advisor: 1986 Hall of Fame selection committee: 2003 GRAND FINALS
|
Henry McFerranElevated to Legend status: 2006 |
||
| 2004 | Field/Executive |
President: 1995-2017 Secretary: 1981-94 Life Member: 1982 GRAND FINALS
|
Jamie Guppy |
||
| 2004 | Boundary |
Life Member: 2022 GRAND FINALS
|
ROD DAVIES |
||
| 2004 | Goal | |
Graham SavilleElevated to Legend status: 2004 |
||
| 2004 | Goal/Executive |
Life Member: 1966 League Life Member: 1978 GRAND FINALS
|
Peter StarfordElevated to Legend status: 2003 |
||
| 2003 | Field |
Life Member: 1974
|
Ted Townsend |
||
| 2003 | Field |
Life Member: 1951
|
Robert (Bob) MadiganElevated to Legend status: 2005 |
||
| 2003 | Field |
President: ??
|
Shane CarlandElevated to Legend status: 2009 |
||
| 2003 | Field |
Life Member: 2011
|
Robert Jones |
||
| 2003 | Field |
|
Alf GaleaElevated to Legend status: 2016 |
||
| 2003 |
Field Boundary Goal |
Life Member: 1994 AFL (goal umpire): 1999-2005 Only person to umpire Division 1 Seniors Grand Final in all disciplines
GRAND FINALS FIELD Division 1: 1993 Division 2: 1992 Division 2 Reserves: 1991
BOUNDARY Division 1: 1989 Division 2: 1988 Division 1 Reserves: 1986 Under 15s: 1989 GOAL Division 1: 1995
|
Harold MasonElevated to Legend status: 2021 |
||
| 2003 | Field |
Award named in his honour for services to umpiring. Life Member: 1960 GRAND FINALS
|
Alistair Rayner |
||
| 2003 | Boundary |
GRAND FINALS
|
Alan ShuttElevated to Legend status: 2012 |
||
| 2003 | Goal/Executive |
Treasurer: 1999-2017 GRAND FINALS
|
Alwyn (Jim) RaynerElevated to Legend status: 2007 |
||
| 2003 | Field/Executive |
Administrator: 1981 President: 1983-90 Life Member: 1983 Instrumental in establishing Scovell Reserve clubrooms. Previously the association had been at numerous locations e.g. Yarraville. Oversaw merger of the WSFL and FDFL umpires which doubled the size of the association. |
