VAFA Umpires Recognised at 2026 Awards Night

The VAFA is proud to celebrate the three umpires who received awards at the 2026 VAFA Awards Night on Wednesday evening, recognising their outstanding performances throughout the season.

John Collopy was named Umpire of the Year, Patrick Lynch received the Most Promising Umpire Award and Cooper Wood was presented with the inaugural Ben Austin Umpire Rising Star Award.

John Collopy – Umpire of the Year

John enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, highlighted by his selection as a field umpire for the Big V Men’s representative match against the Adelaide Footy League at Norwood Oval in June. He continued his impressive representative record after umpiring the VAFA Premier B to Division 3 match against Bendigo FNL in 2025.

John’s season was capped off with his appointment to the 2026 William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final, further highlighting his standing among the VAFA’s leading field umpires.

Patrick Lynch- Most Promising Umpire

Patrick’s recognition as Most Promising Umpire acknowledges his development and potential as an umpire. The award reflects the progress he has made throughout the season including being appointed to the Premier B Men’s Grand Final on 20 September between Collegiansand De La Salle.

Patrick has also gained valuable representative experience, having been appointed as a field umpire for the VAFA Under 19 Men’s representative match against Bendigo FNL in July 2025. 

Cooper Wood – Ben Austin Umpire Rising Star Award

At just 18 years of age, Cooper Wood enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, highlighted by his selection for some of the VAFA’s highest-level fixtures.

Cooper was selected to officiate the Old Xaverians versus University Blues Premier Men’s Semi Final on 12 September, representing a significant achievement for a young umpire. He was also appointed as a boundary umpire for the Big V Premier B to Division 3 Men’s representative match against the Goulburn Valley League at Revo Fitness Park on 11 July.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Cooper demonstrates a strong commitment to umpiring, consistently attending training and showing a willingness to learn and improve. He is highly coachable, responds positively to feedback and continues to develop his boundary umpiring skills.

Cooper has already demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level of VAFA football, while his continued development highlights his potential to progress to State League and ultimately the AFL.

His commitment and passion for boundary umpiring follow a similar pathway to that of his best friend, Ben Austin. Cooper officiates with the VAFA on Saturdays and the SMJFL on Sundays, dedicating his entire weekend to community umpiring.

Cooper’s on-field achievements, commitment and potential make him a deserving recipient of the inaugural Ben Austin Umpire Rising Star Award.

Congratulations to John, Patrick and Cooper on their well-deserved awards and fantastic seasons. We look forward to seeing their continued development and success in the years ahead.