Footy has turned a full circle in Queensland over the past few years with a strong full list to choose from in the early 2000’s, to a list that struggled to find the depth required at the elite level over recent years. However, that all seems to be in the past as the guys prepare themselves for the start to the 2015 season.
Goal umpire, Dan Hoskin has relocated from SA to Brisbane and brought with him a wealth of experience culminating in a top 12 finish last season. Shaun Apted and Tristan Symes will benefit greatly from the introduction of Hoskin onto the AFL goal umpiring scene in Brisbane.
Boundary umpire, Nick Liparota has found his passion and is training the house down since being re-instated onto the AFL panel after missing 2014. Cameron Ward and Matt McKenzie are over their injuries and evergreen Nick Wade has sailed through pre-season posting a PB in the time trial. Veteran Aaron Deckys is over his pre-season mishap and is training beautifully.
This means that for the first time in three years the Queensland base will have a full contingent of fit AFL umpires ready for selection in round one.
Pictured above before last nights training session from the left are, Aaron Deckys, Shaun Apted, Cameron Ward, Matt McKenzie, Nick Wade, Nick Liparota, Tristan Symes and Daniel Hoskin.
Queensland umpires coach Gary Fila has introduced an academy system to grow and foster local umpiring talent. He is now using the knowledge and skills of his AFL listed umpires to mentor and coach those aspiring young umpires. By modelling successful people you can’t help but be buoyed for the future of AFL umpiring in Queensland.