Darren Goldspink

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Darren Goldspink (born 12 September 1964) is a veteran Australian rules football umpire in the Australian Football League.

Known for his flamboyance and frequent banter with players, in 2006 it was alleged that Goldspink had made derogatory remarks towards players Paul Chapman and Gary Ablett [1]. He also told one player during a match that "I'm doing my job good" and expressed his personal opinions to Matthew Richardson about the importance of a shot for goal during a match, much to Richardson's chagrin. [2]

Two rounds later (in Round 17), Goldspink umpired his 350th VFL/AFL match. A tribute to Goldspink aired on The Footy Show to the tune of Gold by Spandau Ballet. During a press conference that week, Goldspink made a joke to the press that the last "mistake" he made as an umpire was in 1998 (which was not met with laughs).

The Triple M commentary team (particularly James Brayshaw and Brian Taylor) refer to Goldspink as "Goldy" and regularly make mention of what they term "umpiring decisions to get himself on camera". While Goldspink was continually abused by spectators, players, and officials of the game he was considered one of the best field umpires of his time.

Goldspink officiated as a field umpire in the 2006 AFL Grand Final against Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles^[1]

Prior to the 2007 AFL season, Goldspink was dropped by the AFL umpiring panel due to lack of fitness.[3] He has since returned, after attaining the levels required, and umpired again in Round 10.

Goldspink retired before the 2008 Home and Away Season. His final game was in a NAB Cup Preseason competition game.