2024 SANFLW Golden Whistle Awards

By ZAC MILBANK

Emerging field umpire Josh Abbott has capped off an outstanding individual campaign after being awarded his second consecutive SANFLW Golden Whistle Award.

Claiming the inaugural SANFLW Golden Whistle last year, Abbott continued to add to his lengthening list of accolades in 2024.

Now with 57 SANFLW League games – including eight finals – under his belt, Abbott officiated in his third consecutive Hostplus SANFLW League Grand Final, when South Adelaide defeated Norwood at The Parade.

An appearance in the historic 2024 SANFLW State Game against the WAFLW in Perth also underlined Abbott’s consistency this season.

Coming off the most improved boundary umpire award in 2023, Emma Jones continued her rapid development by winning her first Silver Whistle award.

Also officiating in the SANFLW State Game, Jones appeared in her second Hostplus SANFLW League title decider in a row this year.

A breakthrough season for Goal Umpire Patrick Backshall culminated him his winning his first SANFLW Golden Flags award.

Backshall, who has only officiated in 21 SANFLW matches, not only made his first appearance in a SANFLW Grand Final this year but was also a member of the umpiring panel for the 2024 SANFLW State Game in Perth.

Goal Umpire Alex Scarman earned the distinction of winning the inaugural Eleni Tee Most Outstanding New Talent Award, named in honour of South Australia’s trail-blazing female field umpire who was the first to officiate a SANFL and AFL League match.

Umpire of the Year

Golden Whistle – Joshua Abbott                  

Silver Whistle – Emma Jones                    

Golden Flags – Patrick Backshall

Most Improved Awards

Field Umpire – Peter Orr          

Boundary Umpire – Aaliyah Heritage                       

Goal Umpire – David Cunningham

Eleni Tee Award for Outstanding New Talent
Alex Scarman

Coaches Award
Charlie Heritage