News

My experience so far down at AFL has been truly amazing. Training has been a massive step up from previous years, but a challenge I’ve enjoyed working through.

The AFL Boundary Umpires year officially kicked off across the country in mid-January. As has been the case for a number of years, the 5km Time Trial formed part of the first week for the panel. With that now completed by most, focus turns to some intense training, trial matches and then the NAB Challenge, being held here, there and everywhere. After several years without a pre-season camp, and Boundary Umps predominantly umpiring in their home state, the inclusion of a camp later in February will see many seasoned umpires meeting each other for the first time!

When five time grand final umpire, Shaun Ryan retired at the end of 2011 it bewildered many of his colleagues and caught the AFL by surprise.  Shaun was just not enjoying his football anymore.  Despite his success over the previous five years the constant grind of training on his body was becoming torturous and the grind of travelling to and from Torquay coupled with leaving his young family most weekends took its toll.

Newly listed field umpire, Nick Brown is not far away from achieving his goal, “to umpire at least one AFL game.” As a fresh faced 14 year old Nick began boundary umpiring with the VAFA. He then switched to field umpiring the following year, realised his potential and hasn’t looked back since.

Not sure where that pre-season went?  Well join the club!  

Brent Wallace is very familiar with the blood, sweat and tears that is playing AFL football, now with whistle in hand….. not much has changed really!

Famed football umpire, media personality and promoter Harry Beitzel is critically ill.