2025 Golden Whistle Awards

10 October 2025

By ALEXANDRA BULL

After officiating his third Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final in September, SANFL Field Umpire Sam Morgan has been rewarded for his stellar season in pink, taking home the 2025 Golden Whistle Award.

Taking home the award for the first time, Morgan was awarded SANFL’s highest State League umpiring honour at the 2025 Golden Whistle awards ceremony at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

SANFL State League and Pathways Umpiring Manager Jason Brown described Morgan as “truly exceptional”.

“He (Sam) brings an infectiously positive attitude to everything he does, always taking a glass-half-full approach,” he said.

“Sam is diligent in every aspect of his craft and demonstrates unwavering commitment not only to training, but also to all the little ‘one percenters’ that often go unnoticed – yet make a real difference on game day.

“Despite umpiring the last three SANFL Grand Finals, this is his first Golden Whistle Award – a long-awaited recognition for a much-loved and highly valued member of our umpiring community.

“Sam’s professionalism, dedication and positive influence make him an outstanding role model for both his peers and the next generation of umpires.”

Jake Creasey was awarded the Silver Whistle as the best-performed boundary umpire in 2025, with the 60-gamer getting the call-up for his first Hostplus SANFL Grand Final this season.

Seasoned goal umpire Daniel Hoskin took home the Goal Umpires Award – the 177-game veteran waving the white flags for the first time since 2007 in the 2025 Grand Final, which saw Sturt defeat Glenelg.

Umpire of the Year

Sam Morgan

Silver Whistle

Jake Creasey

Goal Umpires Award

Daniel Hoskin

Most Improved Awards

Field Umpire: Tom Kelly

Boundary Umpire: Sam Scarman

Goal Umpire: Jack Marnie

Mark Posa Award for Outstanding New Talent

James Haskard

Andrew Vickers Medallion

Martin Elsegood

David Elliott Award – Outstanding Service to Umpiring

Geoff Osborn