There are 6 running umpires appointed to their first finals appearance after what the umpiring department said was an extremely harrowing selection meeting. Three other umpires debut in finals as emergencies.
List veteran, field umpire, Chris Kamolins has finally overcome the adversity of the past few years to claim a spot in the top 12. Over the past few seasons Chris has missed a finals berth with torn muscles and concussion. He is the only new field umpire to be appointed, however, Craig Fleer who rejoined the panel this season has been selected as an emergency umpire for the first time.
Three boundary umpires make the finals panel for the first time. Josh Mather and Damien Cusack join second year boundary from NSW, Dan Field-Read. Both Josh and Damien brought up their 50 game milestones this season after joining the panel in 2014. Dan has 42 AFL games under his belt.
Angus McKenzie-Wills creates history and follows in the footsteps of his NSW colleague, Brodie Kenny-Bell, by being appointed to his first final in his first season on the AFL list. Angus has 14 games to his credit. In 2015, Brodie was appointed to a final in his first year on the AFL panel. The other debutant in the goals is second year umpire, Steve Piperno. Steve, from Victoria has umpired 28 AFL games.
Peter Challen and Sally Boud are both sitting as emergency goal umpires. Sally is also a first year contracted umpire. Peter is back this year after a 5 year absence from the panel and has made the top 12 in the country.
Congratulations to all of our other members who have made the 2016 finals panels.