The 2025 season marks a significant milestone in South Australian football as experienced Match Official Gary Mooney officiates his 400th Senior Men’s match. A respected and familiar figure in the football community, Gary’s achievement reflects his passion, commitment and resilience within the game.
Since making his FSA Senior Men’s debut in 2008, Gary has been a consistent and dependable presence on the pitch. Two years later, he earned his First Division debut in what was then known as the Super League. As his career steadily progressed, Gary has gone on to officiate over 200 First Division matches, including Matches in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) SA, Women’s National Premier League (WNPLSA), and State League Competitions (SL1, WSL & SL2).
In addition to league fixtures, he has also officiated numerous Federation and Australia Cup matches, further highlighting his experience in the game with key matches below
- 2013 — Federation Cup Final: Adelaide City vs. White City
- 2015 — Promotional & Relegation Playoff Series First Leg: Adelaide Olympic vs. Port Adelaide
- 2016 — WNPL SA Grand Final: Metro United vs. Adelaide City
- 2017 — Women’s Premier & State Cup Final: Adelaide City vs. Adelaide University
- 2017 — State League 1 Grand Final: Western Strikers vs. Sturt Lions
- 2018 — Women’s Premier & State Cup Final: West Adelaide vs. Adelaide City
- 2020 — WNPL SA Grand Final: Adelaide City vs. Metro United
- 2021 — Women’s NPL & SL Cup Final: Salisbury Inter vs. Metro United
- 2022 — WNPL SA Grand Final: West Adelaide vs. Adelaide City
In recognition of his long-standing service and contribution to the game, Gary was inducted as a Life Member of Football South Australia in 2023. A well-deserved honour for someone who has dedicated over 16 years to the refereeing community, both on and off the pitch.
Outside of his on-field appointments, Gary has contributed behind the scenes, mentoring young referees and offering support to the next generation. His calm presence and commitment to upholding the highest standards have earned him the respect of players, coaches, and fellow officials alike.
Reflecting on the milestone, Gary said
It has been an immense journey and a thrilling rollercoaster ride, with some lows but thankfully a lot more highs. On the eve of my 400th Senior Appointment, it was never my intention to be perfect but just simply to be the best I could be. To feel genuinely valued and respected within the footballing community truly means the world to me. My refereeing path has taken me the length and breadth of South Australia- from Roxby Downs to Mount Gambier and from Port Lincoln to Mount Barker and everywhere in between. On the whole I have had a wonderful experience, and I have genuinely met many great people along the way. To all of those people (coaches, players, spectators, etc.), I extend a warm thank you to you all for accepting me as an individual and as an official of our great game.
In particular, I wish to thank my great friend and refereeing colleague David Alberton for being so loyal and helpful over a great many years. A true friend sticks by you through thick and thin and he has always been there for me. Also, it would be amiss of me not to mention my dear wife for her unwavering support, from the weekly washing of my kit prior to game day and putting up with my mood swings from one week to the next.
And finally, to all my other refereeing colleagues- a big sincere thank you to every one of you. From the young ones to the experienced group of referees, we really are the third team. Be strong, stay disciplined and believe in your dreams. And above all else- enjoy the journey.
Football SA’s General Manager of Referees, Michelle Smith, said
“Gary Mooney’s achievement of 400 Senior Men’s Matches is a testament to his outstanding contribution to football in South Australia. Gary is not only an exceptional match official but a wonderful person, respected by all who know him. His professionalism, integrity and ability to build strong relationships both on and off the field have made him an invaluable part of our football community. A true servant of the game and a role model for referees at every level”.
Football South Australia would like to acknowledge and congratulate Gary on reaching his 400th Senior Men’s match and wish him all the best in his fixture this weekend. It’s an outstanding achievement and a reflection of his dedication to the refereeing community and the game in South Australia.