Matt Dervan takes home the Brian Pratt Medallion

Originally published on aflua.com.au 

Matthew Dervan was awarded with the Brian Pratt Medallion as the most promising first or second year goal umpire and what a sensational 2017 he had!

Matthew was the emergency goal umpire in the grand final in what was an outstanding season. Matt was first contracted in 2016 umpiring his first game in round two of that year at the MCG. Matt’s last game in 2017 was the Richmond v GWS Preliminary final in front of over 90,000 people at the MCG.

Recruited to the VFL from the VAFA, Matt began his umpiring career in 2010. He umpired the VFL grand finals in 2014-15. Matt has since umpired 36 AFL games.

He was presented the Medallion by Val Pratt, wife of Brian and the 2015 recipient, Brodie Kenny-Bell.

Val, walked us through Brian’s career that started in 1958 as a field umpire, progressed to goal umpiring where he finished his on-field career with 212 AFL games including 16 finals (at least one in every season he was on the list as a goal umpire and two grand finals). He retired from the list in 1986. Brian became the VFL goal umpire’s assistant coach and in 1993 became the AFL National Goal Umpires’ Coach for three years. Brian held positions as social secretary, executive committee member and Hall of Fame committee member of the AFLUA. He was awarded life membership in 1968 and a lifetime achievement award for outstanding services to the association in 1969. Brian was an inaugural member of the AFLUA Hall of Fame. Brian focused on developing young umpires as they progressed through the ranks.

Congratulations Matthew on a well deserved medallion.

Photo: AFLUA