Izzy Cooper has been named Referee of the Year following the 2024-25 Ninja A-League regular season and will has also been selected to referee this weekend’s Grand Final at AAMI Park.
Debuting during the 2018/19 Ninja A-League season, Cooper’s on-field achievements this year have seen her scoop the Referee of the Year award for the very first time.
In a further demonstration of her excellence this season, Cooper is also set to referee this weekend’s Ninja A-League Grand Final at AAMI Park between Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners.
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Having previously been selected as fourth official for the 2017 and 2022 Grand Finals, Cooper was also the Additional Assistant Referee during the 2020 Grand Final and will now take charge of the showpiece event for the first time in her career.
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The Ninja A-League Referee of the Year is awarded to the referee who is judged as the best referee during the course of the regular season.
“Izzy has set the standard for referees in the Ninja A-League this season and is no doubt inspiring a number of junior referees around Australia and New Zealand to follow in her footsteps.
A-League Executive Chair, Stephen Conroy
Conroy added: “Izzy has set the standard for referees in the Ninja A-League this season and is no doubt inspiring a number of junior referees around Australia and New Zealand to follow in her footsteps.
“We congratulate Izzy on an exceptional season of refereeing which has seen her claim the Referee of the Year award for the first time. We look forward to having her officiate the Ninja A-League Women Grand Final this Sunday.ˮ
Leading the sides out on Sunday at AAMI Park, Cooper will be flanked by assistant referees Maddy Allum and Paula Orlandi as they officiate the Ninja A-League Grand Final.
“The appointment of the match officials to this yearʼs Ninja A-League Womenʼs Grand Final is a result of their tireless work ethic, attention to detail in training and high performance throughout the 2024/25 season,” said Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss.
“Izzy has shown outstanding professionalism and consistency this year, and her selection as referee is richly deserved.
“Equally, her team of officials — who have been superb all season — bring experience, teamwork, and composure to the biggest stage in domestic womenʼs football.
He continued: “Football Australia, along with the Referees Committee, extends our congratulations to Isabella and her officiating team, and we thank the entire panel of match officials for their dedication and discipline throughout the season.
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“We wish those appointed to the Grand Final every success in what promises to be a fantastic occasion.Ë®
Izzy will be presented with her award at the conclusion of the Ninja A-League Women 2025 Grand Final.
The Ninja A-League 2025 Grand Final will be shown live on 10 Bold from 2:30pm (AEST) and available to stream across 10 Play and Paramount+.
For New Zealand viewers, every match of the Ninja ALeague Finals Series is available live on Sky Sport and streamed on Sky Sport Now.
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