NSW based goal umpire, Brodie Kenny-Bell made news last year when he became the first goal umpire since 1995 to be appointed to a final in his first year as a contracted umpire. Brodie comes into the first semi final, Sydney v Adelaide following a stint as the emergency umpire last weekend, making it two finals in two years. Brodie is the only new face into the finals line up.
Brodie has umpired 17 games this season to add to his 16 last season for a total 33 games. It has been a long time since a second year umpire has umpired two finals in his first two years on the list. By contrast, David Dixon umpires his 38th final to pass the current record of 37 held jointly with Luke Walker.
Both finals teams go into the game with a real mix of youth and experience. Of the 22 listed umpires 13 have had previous grand final experience. It is good to see many of our less experienced finals umpires pushing themselves forward for selection as we head deep into September.