Darren Goldspink

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

Goldspink was awarded the prestigious All Australian Umpire award three times over his career in 1993, 1995 and 2005, earning himself an AFL Grand Final appointment on each occasion. He also umpired in the 1998, 2000 and 2006 AFL Grand Finals.^[1]

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, Jr.^[2] 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.^[3]

Two rounds later (in Round 17), Goldspink umpired his 350th VFL/AFL match.

Prior to the 2007 AFL season, Goldspink was dropped by the AFL umpiring panel due to lack of fitness.^[4] He returned, after attaining the levels required, and umpired again in Round 10, 2007.

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

In 2012 Goldspink returned to Umpiring as South East Juniors Umpiring Manager.

References