The John Russo Trophy is the VFUA’s highest honour, awarded to umpires who demonstrate great commitment to the Association as well as achieving on-field excellence.
If a nomination for this award is received throughout the year, a vote is conducted at the AGM by attending members – a majority vote will see the nominee awarded the John Russo Trophy.
1997 Russell Davidson
1998 David Flegg
1999 Anthony Black
2000 No Award
2001 Chris Snell
2002 No award
2003 Daniel Wilson
2004 Rob Findlay
2005 Jason Armstrong
2005 Adam Wojcik
2006 David Flegg
2007 No award
2008 Stephen Gloag
2009 No award
2010 Richard Mills
2011 Tristan Burgess
2012 Daniel Butcher
2013 Michael Curtis
2014 Steve Piperno
2015 Daniel Butcher
Lachlan Rayner
2016 No award
2017 Michael Curtis
2018 Andrew Talbot
2019-2020 No award
2021 Melissa Sambrooks
2022 Matthew Mahoney
2023 No award