The AFL congratulates AFL Field Umpire Eleni Glouftsis on being recognised with 2019 Australia Day honours in South Australia for her services to Australian Football.

Announced last night at a function in Adelaide hosted by Premier Steven Marshall, Eleni was named the 2019 South Australia Young Australian of the Year.

Eleni began umpiring in 2008 and progressed through the SANFL Under 16s, Under 18s and Reserves before making her senior state league debut as the first female field umpire in the competition’s 137-year history in August 2013. She also umpired the Division One SA Amateurs Grand Final in 2012 and the SANFL Reserves Grand Final in both 2013 and 2014.

Eleni, 26, was placed in the AFL Female Pathway Scholarship in 2015 as the most-promising female field umpire at state league level across the country, with specialised coaching and other assistance designed to fast-track her progress.

In 2017, Eleni became the first woman to ever officiate as a field umpire in an elite-level match.

AFL General Manager Football Operations, Steve Hocking, congratulated Eleni on receiving the prestigious award.

“Eleni has dedicated a number of years to the game and in doing so has provided young women across the country with a visible pathway to the elite game,” Mr. Hocking said.

“On behalf of the AFL, we would like to congratulate Eleni on this great honour and thank her for her continued and dedicated work umpiring AFL football.”