Umpires rewarded

THE Ballarat Football Umpires Association held their Senior Awards presentation last week.

At the City Oval Bowls Club, 115 people attended the ceremony which saw Adrian Tinetti take out the Best & Most Consistent Field Umpire award for this season.

Also umpiring the Ballarat Football League Grand Final last weekend, Tinetti was honoured to be recognised for having a positive impact on the game he loves.

“I enjoy being involved with local footy, although it can be challenging and demanding at times,” he said. “When it comes to finals, it’s rewarding to get good feedback, knowing you’ve helped to shape a significant event in local footy.

“It was a privilege to be involved on the field and culminate a good season.”

The Best First Year Goal Umpire Award went to Nathan Leishman, the Best & Most Consistent Goal Umpire Award winner was Callan Evans, and the Steve Perry Best First Year Boundary Umpire Award was presented to Jack O’Brien.

Kyle Baddeley won the Best First Year Field Umpire Award presented by special guest, AFL Field Umpire and games record holder, Shane McInerney, while Josh Findlay took home the Best & Most Consistent Boundary Umpire Award.

The Les Baldock Encouragement Award went to Jason Bligh, and the Boundary Umpire Encouragement Award was presented to Sam Haintz, Oliver Cukavac and Harrison Strawhorn.

This year’s Club Person of the Year was Phillip McGrath, the Training Award winners were Peter Weuffen and Riley Gallagher, while Brock Reid won the Golden Whistle Award.

Michael Toner was Most Improved Goal Umpire, the Most Improved Boundary Umpire Award winners were Ted O’Brien and David Curtis, while Jack Anderson took away Most Improved Field Umpire.