Capital Football congratulates ACT referees Lauren Hargrave , Georgia Ghirardello, and Delfina Dimoski who have been appointed to the 2021/22 A-League Women’s Grand Final on Sunday 27 March between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.
For Lauren, her appointment as Assistant Referee 1 will be her second ALW Grand Final appearance following her appointment to the 2020/21 ALW Grand Final.
“It is an honour to be appointed to the refereeing team for the 2021/2022 season ALW Grand Final,” Lauren said.
“I look forward to the game, and sharing the experience with the rest of the refereeing team, including the two other ACT referees appointed to the game, Georgia Ghiradello and Delfina Dimoski.”
“The appointment of three ACT based referees to the grand final team is a testament to the excellent elite refereeing culture which has been developed by a number of amazing past and present referees.”
Delfina Dimoski makes her first ALW Grand Final Appearance having officiated 68 ALW matches across 9 seasons and is excited about the appointment as Assistant Referee 2.
“I feel privileged and honoured to be selected as a member of the grand final team. It is a nice feeling to be recognised for the level of commitment and dedication over consecutive seasons and for a solid performance consistently this season.”
“To have the three of us on the grand final together is a testament to the culture and support afforded to us here in the ACT.”
“I hope seeing us on the big stage will encourage more women and girls to give refereeing a go.”
Georgia Ghirardello took charge as Referee for the epic semi-final encounter between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory and on Sunday, in her first Grand Final appearance, she will take up the position of Additional Assistant Referee 2.
“It was possible thanks to the great leadership and support from the referee department at Football Australia. Thank you for letting me be brave and accountable. I’d like to acknowledge that this appointment of a diverse and inclusive referee team to the Grand Final should be celebrated.”
“I’d like to thank my employer and team at ACT Government, for supporting me and for enabling employees to attend sporting events as an accredited competitor or official. Most importantly I wish to share my gratitude for this opportunity with the whole A-League Women referee panel, on an outstanding performance this season, to my friends, family (including my driving companion) and the Canberra Football community.”
“Refereeing has had a positive impact on my life, for which I am grateful. On Sunday you will see the three dedicated Canberrans out on the football field showing what hard work, friendship and passion can do. Why not become a referee and see how far you can go?”.
Capital Football Referee Development Manager, Mark Hester said it was an outstanding achievement for all three ALW match officials to be appointed to the Grand Final, following their semi-final performances.
“I’m very pleased for Georgia, Lauren and Delfina and they are to be congratulated,” Mark said.
“To see their performances recognised with these prestigious appointments is testament to their level of professionalism, commitment and personal sacrifice.”
“For Capital Football, it is very satisfying to see our entire A-League Women’s panel involved in the Grand Final.”
“We wish them well for the game and trust they will enjoy the experience.”
The Capital Football community can watch Lauren, Georgia and Delfina in action during the ALW Grand Final via the live broadcast on 10BOLD, as well as streaming live on Paramount+. Kick off is 4.05pm AEST on Sunday 27th March at Netstrata Jubilee Oval.
