Football South Australia and the Referee’s Department are pleased announce the Match Officials appointed to the highly anticipated RAA National Premier League, State League 1 and State League 2 Grand Finals this weekend.
RAA National Premier League Grand Final
Referee: Daniel Cook
Assistant Referees: Liam Miller & Nick Elagin
Fourth Official: Curtis Wordsworth
Image: Daniel Cook (Image: Ken Carter)
Experienced Match Official Daniel Cook will lead the officiating team for the 2024 RAA NPL Grand Final this Friday night. Cook, who is no stranger to the Grand Final stage, is set to officiate his third consecutive RAA NPL Grand Final, making it his sixth overall.
Cook reflected on his 6th Grand Final:
I am deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity to officiate the grand final. The competition this year has been outstanding and hopefully the showpiece match caps off a great year.
Cook will be supported by Assistant Referee’s Liam Miller and Nick Elagin who both bring a wealth of experience to the pitch. Curtis Wordsworth will act as the Fourth Official.
State League One Grand Final
Referee: Christian Verdicchio
Assistant Referees: Thomas Temby & Jayden Betterman
Fourth Official: Regis Queffelec
Image: Christian Verdicchio (Image: Ken Carter)
Match Official Christian Verdicchio will take charge of the State League One Grand Final Between WT Birkalla and Playford City Patriots. Having Officiated the 2023 State League One Grand Final and this year’s Federation Cup Final, Verdicchio is well-prepared for Saturday night’s Final.
“It is a pleasure to be appointed again to referee the SL1 Grand Final this weekend with an amazing team of match officials. Personally, to be able to referee the Federation Cup Final and the SL1 Grand Final at the end of the year is a great reward for my performances this year. I look forward to facilitating an exciting game of football on Saturday night and look forward to finishing the season on a high note.”
Christian will be accompanied by assistant Referees Thomas Temby and Jayden Betterman, who have demonstrated strong teamwork throughout the season. The team will be supported by Fourth Official Regis Queffelec.
State League Two Grand Final
Referee: Joe-Jordan Tripodi
Assistant Referees: Ellie Seaton & Marc Padros
Fourth Official: Dion Turner
Image: Joe-Jordan Tripodi (Image: Pagonis Photography)
Joe- Jordan Tripodi will take to the middle in what will be an exciting game for Promotion in the State League Two Grand Final match between Cove FC and Modbury Vista. This will be Tripodi’s third senior Grand Final after officiating the WNPL Grand Finals in 2021 & 2023.
Joe- Jordan has shared his thoughts on his Grand Final appointment.
“It's been a long and busy season, so it's a very rewarding finish to the year to be appointed to the SL2 Grand Final. I love the passion and energy that come with these milestone matches, it’s what football is all about. I'm sure it will be especially passionate given it's also for promotion, and Cove and Modbury Vista have both had a great season.”
Ellie Seaton and Marc Padros will join Joe-Jordan as his Assistant Referees with Dion Turner as the Fourth Official.
General Manager of Refereeing Michelle Smith, emphasised the importance of these Grand Final appointments:
"Our grand final referees represent the highest level of officiating in our league. Their appointments are a testament to their commitment, consistency, performance, and integrity throughout the season. We're proud to have them officiate these pivotal matches, knowing they exemplify the highest standards of officiating. We wish them and the teams the best of luck in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season."
Football SA extends its appreciation to all Match Officials for their dedication and professionalism throughout the 2024 season. As we look forward to an exciting weekend of Football, we wish all participating teams and Match Officials the best of luck in their Grand Final Matches.
Full List of Match Official Grand Final Appointments can be found here.