UmpiringHow to become a footy umpire in 2026
Jordan McArdle
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10 Dec 2025
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Emerging WA umpiring talent Lilly Spocter was this month named as the most outstanding umpire at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Queensland.
The 16-year-old Wanneroo Secondary College student, who is part of the AFL and WA Football-led National Women’s Umpire Development Program, admits she was in “complete shock” after accepting the AS McLean Medal for the most outstanding umpire in the carnival.
“When they announced my name, I was in complete shock, stood up, accepted the medal,” Lilly told Perth Now.
“I was sitting with all the umpires and the WA State girls and the boys were behind us.
“It was a pretty big cheer.”
Lilly, who umpires at West Perth Juniors and in the Perth Football League, trains twice a week and is mentored by the WA Football’s umpiring clubs specialist and AFLW umpire Courtney Gibson.
As for the future? Lilly has dreams is making it to the top level.
“AFL would be the dream but, yeah, taking it as it comes,” she said.
Read Perth Now’s feature article on Lilly’s umpiring journey here
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WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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