As the 2026 season draws to a close, the attention turned to recognising those who have made their mark on Victorian football.
One of those significant celebrations took place at the FV Referee Awards Night on Friday, September 18, where the standout contributions of members of the referee community were acknowledged and recognised.
Alongside the match officials, one award recognises someone from outside of the referee community.
The Whistle of Hope award is presented annually, recognising a member of the football community that displays acts of outstanding respect and sportsmanship by members of the wider football ecosystem.
Established in 2022, the award is presented in memory of Hary Milas, a beloved member of the Victorian football community and prominent match official. Hary was known for his compassion, warmth and positivity - qualities that also made him a hugely respected referee across Victoria and beyond.
Away from the pitch, he championed causes close to his heart, including the Victoria Police Soccer Team, Victorian Pride Football, the Reagan Milstein Foundation and, most notably, his work with the Homeless World Cup. The Whistle of Hope Award continues that legacy, recognising those who show the same character, compassion and spirit that Hary brought to Victorian football throughout his life.
This year, the award went to a prominent player in the Senol NPL Victoria Men’s competition, as Preston Lions captain Ryan Scott was declared the recipient.
FV Head of Referees Tom Elliott was full of praise for Scott, shedding more light on why he was selected this year.
“Ryan may not know, but he is highly regarded by Match Officials in the NPLM competition for embodying the spirit of the game, despite competing in some of the most fierce and competitive rivalries in Victorian Football,” Elliott said.
Scott’s conduct across the season is further evidenced in the numbers, with the Preston Lions captain an ever-present across 33 league and cup matches without receiving a single yellow card.
For Elliott, though, it was more than just a disciplinary record that got Scott the award.
“His character was further demonstrated with a brilliant speech given after Preston Lions’ historic Dockerty Cup victory over Heidelberg United at Lakeside just a few short weeks ago. To be so composed, respectful and compassionate at such an historic moment for his Club showed real class” he said.
It was a full-circle moment for the Lions’ stopper, having been refereed by Hary earlier in his career whilst playing at Bentleigh Greens under now Heidelberg United Coach, John Anastasiadis.
Scott was presented with the award at the Football Victoria Referee awards event, with Hary’s wife Anita unable to attend, meaning Hary’s great friend Jim Ouliaris had the honour of presenting the award to Scott.
2026 FV Referees Awards Night Photos