Hymans & Davidson earn AFL Victoria’s top umpiring gongs

The VAFA congratulates two members of its umpire ranks that received top honours at the AFL Victoria Community Awards last night at Marvel Stadium. 

Campbell Hymans was awarded the prestigious Silver Whistle for an outstanding year of officiating. Whilst VAFA umpire legend Russell Davidson was awarded the Greg Sidebottom Memorial Umpire Coach of the Year award. 

Hymans rounds out an exceptional year of umpiring, he was one of three nominations from the Oakleigh academy. The Silver Whistle is Campbell’s second acknowledgement this year after he was awarded VAFA Umpire of the Year. 

Campbell received this award due to his consistent high level of umpiring ability, his feel for the game, his good rapport with clubs, and his commitment to the umpiring group. 

Campbell began his umpiring journey with the VAFA in 2016 and has umpired 127 games throughout his VAFA umpire career.

Outgoing VAFA Head Field Umpire Coach Russell Davidson has been awarded the Greg Sidebottom Memorial Umpire Coach of the Year. 

This award recognises the state’s top community umpire coaches who help shape the next generation of Victorian umpires. Russell is a passionate and skilled coach who joined the VAFA from the AFL. 

He also has an exceptional on-field record including 220 VAFA games and 7 A-Grade Men’s Grand Finals. Russell made a significant contribution to the VAFA Umpiring community through the many hours spent coaching and developing umpires. 

In a year where umpire shortages have been highlighted right across community football in Victoria it is a credit to the VAFA to have two of its recognised, and awarded for excellence by AFL Victoria in 2022.