Saturday the 21st of September saw the AFF Referees celebrate their annual Awards night, highlighting the excellent service Match Officials put into the game across all age groups and levels of football.

The night was organized by an AFF Referee sub-committee consisting of Riley Greenbury, Cameron Dickson-Hards, Will Roberts, Luke Gardner and Tom Day.

AFF Referee Riley Greenbury took the lead on the event and says he was happy with the night as it showcased the excellence of AFF Referees and their services across the region.

“It’s all about bringing the referees together to reflect and talk about the year as another football season has come to an end” Greenbury said.

“It then becomes an opportunity for the AFF Referees’ Committee and the Federation to recognize excellence from members shown across a vast variety of aspects involved in being a match official.”

“This year we made a noted effort to recognize and publicly appreciate the contribution of our referees, that year after year go out there without hesitation and officiate 2-3 matches a weekend.”

“A good portion of whom are out there by themselves.”

On the night a total of 34 awards were handed out to showcase the excellent service that still resides in the Referee space in the AFF region.

Wayne Barry, a current referee presented the Page Cup to his son, Karl Barry on the night.

Karl refereed the recent Tom McNab final and was credited for his excellent performance in the middle of the park this season.

“Both Wayne and Karl became referees in 2016, attended the same course and graduated together” Paul Smith said.

“They have been supporting each other since that time by attending each other’s games and running the line when there is no appointed Assistant Referee.”

In similar circumstances, father Aaron Day presented the Neil and Lynn Fox Cup to his son Brandon Day on the awards night.

“Aaron joined in 2015 one year after Brandon (2014) became a referee” Paul Smith said.

“In this case Brandon has been supported by his Dad in terms of transporting him to his games, fitness tests, tournaments (Brandon doesn't drive) since he started.”

“Both Aaron and Brandon have refereed NRFL Div 2 this year.”

Below is the full list of winners for the AFF Referee Awards Night in 2019.

Article added: Tuesday 08 October 2019