Five of the most talented young field umpires in the country were put through their paces by the AFL umpiring department over two days last week to look for the next contracted umpire.
The five umpires were chosen by AFL Development Manager, Adam Davis and his talent staff, Stuart Wenn, Tim Shearer and Michael Avon who have spent the year scouring the country to coach and unearth the next best talent.
The combine saw the selected umpires complete a 3k time trial, deliver a series of on field skills under pressure, complete laws tests and engage in a series of communication and management exercises over the two days.
Daniel Butcher (Vic) and Haydn Gavine (Vic) who have umpired the last two VFL grand finals along with ex AFL umpire Shane Stewart (Vic) joined Leigh Haussen (SA) five time SANFL grand final umpire and Nathan Williamson (WA) two WAFL grand finals, competing for those coveted AFL contracts.
Final list decisions have not been made while the CBA is currently being negotiated.