Angus McKenzie-Wills is one of four new AFL goal umpires joining the AFL ranks in 2016, having originally started as a field umpire in 2006, before switching to the twin flags in 2009. Having been part of the inaugural NEAFL goal umpires’ list in 2011, Angus has officiated in 96 NEAFL games, including 10 finals whilst also participating in the Under 16 Nationals in 2010 and the Under 18 Nationals in 2012 and 2015.
Eleni Glouftsis is different, but she wants to be dealt with the same as everyone else.
AFL Grand Final Field Umpire Ray Chamberlain and his brothers Peter and Brian have launched their own charitable foundation to help fund much needed work in the areas of mental health amongst young people, prevention of suicide and also support for returned service men and women and those that work on the front line of our emergency services.
Following an introduction from Wayne Campbell and Hayden Kennedy, who spoke about the successes of 2015 and areas to focus on improving in 2016, the camp for boundary and goal umpires was launched.
Formula One, flying, engines, traveling – one would have thought that Patrick Cran would have taken up motor car racing or flying to new travel destinations rather than turning his skills to that of umpiring.
The AFLUA would like to congratulate the following new members to the executive committee for 2016 – Troy Pannell (President), Drew Kowalski (Boundary) and Adam Wojcik (Goal) joining Leigh Fisher (Field), who returns for his second year on the executive.
Congratulations to AFL Boundary Umpire Darren Wilson on achieving his life-time dream of winning the prestigious Empire State building stairs race, completing the run up 1,576 steps to the 86th floor in 10 minutes 36 seconds.
What are you doing at 9pm on Mother’s Day?
The final pieces of the list management process have been completed and our umpires are in full pre-season training. Our field umpires have been involved in club visits across Australia since early January. All umpires have been completing their fitness benchmarks. The field umpires held their annual camp last weekend in Portsea and all goal and boundary umpires will be in Melbourne this coming weekend for their annual camp.