Ex- Student Receives AFL Golden Whistle Award 

Andrew Van Kuelen completed Year 12 in 2016 at St Albans Secondary College and is already on his way to TAFE to further his talents. Perhaps unbeknown to his peers, he set his sights on becoming an AFL Umpire when he joined the WRFL Umpires back in 2016. His coaches and mentors were very impressed with his “can do” approach to his training through the rigorous first years of becoming fit. He also tried his hand at Field Umpiring proving that his excellent communications skills, soon saw him becoming a mentor to other aspiring Umpires. 

In 2018 he decide to solely concentrate on Boundary Umpiring, as he saw this as his pathway into the ranks of AFL umpires. He officiated at many Junior and Senior finals and Grand Finals up until 2018, but the elusive Division One Grand Final eluded him that year. He capped of 2018 being selected for the Senior Men’s Div. 2 Grand Final, a grand achievement. Returning in 2019, determined to be selected by his coaches for the “Big One” he took on more of a leadership role; he was also nominated to participate in The Rookie Squad for aspiring VFL Umpires which he enjoyed in all aspects. He completed his Level 2 AFL Boundary Umpire certificate along the way, showing expertise at running group training sessions and encouraging/mentoring younger Umpires. 

I believe Andrew has the drive, determination and leadership attributes to become an AFL Umpire. I nominated him to the AFL to receive the prestige’s Golden Whistle Award for the WRFL Umpires. Andrew had an outstanding 2019, finishing in the top four Boundary Umpires. Achieving his goal of becoming one of the four Boundary Umpires to officiate at the WRFL Senior Division 1 Grand Final. The WRFL Umpire Appointments board as the most outstanding Boundary Umpire voted him for 2019. In addition, he was selected by the Board above 350 other Umpires on the list as the WRFL Umpires Golden Whistle recipient. The highest award possible for a community level Umpire. Congratulations Andrew and I wish you every success in making it all the way to the ranks of AFL Umpiring.

Maree Wilke

Senior Boundary Coach at WRFL Umpires