Featured Image: Boundary Umpire, Tahlia Merrett poses during the VFL/W 2026 Season Launch at Whitten Oval on March 10th, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jordan Sacchetta/AFL Photos)
Article by Olivia Grcic, Women and Girls Experience Coordinator at AFL, AFLW Boundary Umpire
Not every athlete is chasing points on the board in Round One of AFLW Season 11, there are some with a different perspective. Across the round, four Victorian boundary umpires will be making their mark on the elite women’s stage for the very first time, focused on playing their role to help the game grow and thrive.
Asha Hinton, Monique Galea, Tahlia Merrett, and Shaylee Anderson have earned the opportunity to showcase the results of years of hard work and determination. With different stories to tell about their road to the W, they’ll all debut sharing a common feeling of excitement for the season ahead.
Asha Hinton
Bringing over 15 years of experience to the boundary line, Asha’s AFLW debut means everything to her.
“I’m looking forward to running with a huge variety of umpires- from ex AFL experienced umpires to brand new AFLW umpires like me.”
“I love seeing and watching the girls on the boundary in AFL and AFLW games now, because for a long time we didn’t see it and now other young girls and boys are seeing that too. A little while ago, I heard a girl say to her dad, ‘Hey, there’s a girl out there’ during one of my games.”
Passionate about women in sport and sharing that with her Grade 6 students any chance she can, Asha loves that both her jobs can influence young people. Being an umpire has helped her to get through to her students with a deeper connection, purely because of footy.
“Kids love to hear about teachers that live a life outside of work. I try to tell my students that having lots of skills is always beneficial. It makes you see things from different perspectives and also makes you a more well rounded, empathetic, and understanding person. Everything I’ve done has really shaped me as a person now and I wouldn’t change any of it.”
Through her early years as a community umpire, Asha also coached the junior boundaries at the SMJFL which included teammates, Lachlan Menara (AFL Boundary Umpire) and Courtney Stelling (AFLW Goal umpire).
Asha will debut at Marvel Stadium in the clash between North Melbourne and Geelong on Saturday August 15th.
Monique Galea
Alongside being energised by half time sour lollies – of all types – the full game day experience of entertainment, fireworks, and making new friends with the diverse mix of umpires from around the country, is what Mon is looking forward to in her debut W season.
“Getting to debut in the AFLW, feels like I’ve made it in women’s sport, the highest you can go nationally for female football- there’s no Olympics for this. I feel prepared to run my hardest and I’m just ready to get out there. I’m excited.”
An aspiring paediatric occupational therapist, Mon approaches all aspects of her life with humility and dedication to care for others as much as she can. After beginning umpiring with friends and making lifelong connections throughout her journey, a highlight of Mon’s community umpiring career included running the boundary for her brother’s footy each Sunday from Under 9s through to Under 16s.
“Everyone knew each other in the community. It made me excited to see my Nans and Pas, Mum and Dad, my cousins, and friends. My brother was cool with it too.”
Inspired to be able to run alongside State League teammates and AFL rookies, Mel Sambrooks and Kaitlin Barr, Mon reflects on the impact they’ve had on her umpiring journey. “It’s a milestone to even run with them. You know you’re going to learn because they’ll teach you and look out for you.”
Mon will debut at Ikon Park in the clash between Richmond and Collingwood on Saturday August 15th.
Tahlia Merrett
Inspired by AFLW from its inception, Tahlia’s playing career took her through to VFLW level before leading her into the world of umpiring in 2024.
“My debut means a lot to me. It’s always been a big goal of mine to make AFLW but I never specified I wanted to make it as a ‘player’. The universe was like, here you go!”
Tahlia tries to live a mindful life as much as possible, working in outdoor leadership with young people, she’s constantly inspired by the “innate wisdom” she is surrounded by each day. “I’m working with kids who are in a period of life before they form strong opinions of their own. It’s so beautiful watching them with pure joy in the moment and not worrying about other things in life.” To the point where they’re so excited about just waking up for the day.
With an attitude of going with the flow and taking every opportunity as it comes, Tahlia is energised by the team culture in umpiring and the shared growth mindset it comes with. Looking forward to being on the same field again with past teammates, from the boundary, rather than playing against them, Tahlia is excited for the future.
“I’m hopeful that each season people challenge their stereotypes on women’s footy and more people give it a go to watch it.”
Tahlia will debut at Ikon Park in the clash between Hawthorn and Melbourne on Thursday August 13th.
Shaylee Anderson
A year in the making and many before that, Shay has anticipated her AFLW debut since the beginning of Season 10 in 2025. Injury rehab has strengthened Shay’s determination and resilience.
“It could have been easy for me to give up. You spend a lot of time sitting with yourself and learning that your sport doesn’t define who you are. I wouldn’t take any of it back, I’m just really thankful for where I’ve come in life.”
Having fallen in love with umpiring from the moment she started at 13 years of age in Echuca, motivated by being with friends and learning from the elite, Shay prides herself on the optimism and positivity she carries with her every day. With a passion for the business she is building through Intention Active Wear she projects the message of living intentionally every day and aligning your life with who you are, and who you are becoming.
Shay’s mum has inspired her to remember that “if you’re meant to be doing something, the opportunities will keep presenting themselves.”
“I’m looking forward to making the most of each game. Each is as important as the rest of them. I want to do my best.”
Shay will debut at Ikon Park in the clash between Hawthorn and Melbourne on Thursday August 13th.