The umpiring panel to officiate the 2024 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final has been confirmed.
Continue below to read profiles on each of the umpires selected for the premiership decider between Werribee and the Southport Sharks at IKON Park.
FIELD
Jack Howard
Jack started his State League journey in 2017, after being recruited from the Essendon District Football League and a season in the Northern Territory Football League, resulting in umpiring their senior Grand Final in season 2015/16. In his first year with the State League, he was appointed to the VFLW Grand Final. Jack made his senior VFL debut towards the end of the 2021 season and after the two interrupted Covid years, he has become a permanent fixture at senior level. In 2023, Jack was named our most improved umpire, a deserving recognition to the extra work he dedicated to his umpiring craft to be the best he can possibly be. This year, Jack was selected by the AFL to be a part of their AFL Elite Transition Program, a program designed for talented and promising umpires. Jack has now umpired 75 senior games and seven finals. The selection to the 2024 VFL Grand Final will be his second Grand Final appointment, after umpiring last year’s decider between the Gold Coast Suns and Werribee.
Joel Clamp
Joel started his State League journey in 2017 after being recruited from the Northern Football Netball League. In his first year with the State League, he was appointed to the VFLW Grand Final, with Jack Howard. In 2018, Joel continued his umpiring pathway, being selected to the TAC Cup Grand Final. That same year, Joel made his senior VFL debu. This year’s appointment to the 2024 VFL Grand Final comes after umpiring in the 2022 and 2023 preliminary finals. Joel has made a significant contribution to the State League Talent Pathway, being selected by his peers to the leadership group for the past two years as well as winning the Team Person of the Year in 2022 and 2024. Additionally, Joel was the inaugural winner of the Rising Star award last year. He was also named the AFLW Umpire of the Year and umpired in his second of two AFLW Grand Finals. This year, Joel was selected in the AFL Elite Transition Program. He was also named VFL Umpire of the Year. Joel has umpired 94 senior VFL games and this will be his eighth final and first VFL Grand Final.
Sam Whetton
Sam is one of five VFL listed umpires who hail from Queensland. At 24 years of age, Sam is the youngest of the Grand Final team. Sam has umpired 55 senior VFL games, as well as nine NEAFL games prior to the current set up of the competition. This is Sam’s 5th final, and first VFL senior Grand Final. Sam has also been listed in the AFLW competition, umpiring 24 games and one final.
Nick Scott (emergency)
Nick is part of the 2024 AFL Elite Transition Program. After umpiring in the 2023 VFL Grand Final, Nick has been able to umpire at a consistent high standard this season, umpiring 19 home and away games and three finals. His bouncing is considered elite. This year, Nick bounced the ball 172 times for a contestable average of 97.1%. Nick has also participated in S7 and S8 of the AFLW competition, umpiring in two finals.
BOUNDARY
John Cooper
Had a monumental year, breaking the boundary umpire games record, becoming a father for the first time, and now running in his fourth VFL Grand Final which is the most of any boundary umpire in history. John has been a consistent performer for a long time, umpiring in his ninth finals series.
Adrian Pretorius
Formerly from Victoria but now based in Queensland. Has made remarkable strides since moving last year. In his first Grand Final appearance after back-to-back preliminary final appearances, Adrian has shown great improvement and strong engagement in his role
Anthony Laughton
Returns for his second consecutive Grand Final after a stellar year that also saw him umpire the State League representative match in Adelaide during Gather Round. Originally from Victoria, Anthony spent some time in Queensland on the NEAFL list and since his return to Victoria has gone from strength to strength.
Lachlan Menara
Will also feature in back-to-back Grand Finals, capping off another fantastic season in which he celebrated his 50th VFL match. A quiet achiever but is a keen learner, and always driven to improve, even when on top of his game. Has a very bright future ahead of him.
GOAL
Luke Monea
Luke commenced his career with the Essendon District Football League, making his VFL senior debut in 2017. He has umpired 19 VFL matches this year and his career statistics sit at 122 VFL matches, including 12 VFL finals. Luke umpired the 2022 and 2023 VFL Grand Finals showing great consistency to his craft over the past three seasons. Luke was also named the 2024 Goal Umpire of the Year.
James Rizio
James commenced his career with the Eastern Football League making his VFL senior debut in 2018. He has umpired 19 VFL matches this year and his career stats sit at 96 VFL matches, including 12 VFL finals. James umpired the 2022 VFL Grand Final and also umpired the 2023 Coates Talent League Grand Final showing he has been an exceptionally consistent performer over a number of seasons.
Adam Steger (emergency)