The AFL has today confirmed the 2026 AFLW Umpire List for the upcoming NAB AFLW Season, with former AFL field umpire Ray Chamberlain among those set to officiate AFLW matches this year, including the season opener between St Kilda and Carlton for Spud's Game.
One of the most recognised figures in Australian football, Chamberlain returned to the field last year for AFLW after a 389-game AFL umpiring career and will again bring his experience, personality and passion for the game to the AFLW competition in 2026.
Chamberlain's involvement in Spud's Game carries special significance as an ambassador for the Danny Frawley Centre and a longstanding supporter of mental health initiatives, including last year's Spud's Ride, a 24-hour bike ride around the MCG held in honour of Danny Frawley's legacy.
Chamberlain will also be mic'd up for the match providing fans with unique insights into the role of an umpire and helping bring fans closer to the action.
Head of Officiating Stephen McBurney said Chamberlain was a welcome inclusion for the 2026 NAB AFLW Season.
“The AFL has a bold vision for the future of AFLW. Ray’s inclusion brings one of our boldest and most recognisable umpires to the AFLW stage,” McBurney said.
"His experience, energy and passion for the game will be a great asset for our umpiring group and an exciting inclusion on AFLW matchdays for our players, clubs and supporters."
The 2026 AFLW Umpire List comprises of 37 field umpires, 41 boundary umpires and 24 goal umpires.
Female umpires represent 44 per cent of the list, up eight per cent from 2025. This includes AFL rookie-listed umpires Gabby Simmonds (field), Greta Miller (boundary), Melissa Sambrooks (boundary), Kaitlin Barr (boundary) and Emilie Hill (goal).
The list also includes Glenn James OAM Scholarship recipient Joshua James, who became the first Indigenous AFLW umpire in 2023.
“The AFLW competition features the best female umpires across all disciplines. Annie White returns to lead the AFLW umpiring program as Head Coach, while the 2026 list includes an exciting mix of emerging talent alongside 26 former state league and 18 former AFL umpires, bringing valuable experience to the competition,” McBurney said.
The 2026 NAB AFLW season-opener between St Kilda and Carlton for Spud’s Game will kick off at 4.15pm AEST at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, 9 August.
Former AFL umpires on 2026 AFLW Umpire List
Field Umpires: Jordan Bannister, Heath Ryan, Tristan Burgess, Leigh Haussen, Jason Armstrong, Brett Ritchie, Corey Bowen, James Strybos, Ray Chamberlain and Andrew Mitchell
Boundary Umpires: Jason Moore, Adam Bastick, Patrick Tongue, Shane Thiele, Shane Jones and Peter Bock
Goal Umpires: Alistair Meldrum, Michael Palm and Steven Paunovic
