Sam Hunter joins the Western Australian team as the first ever Rookie Goal umpire for season 2017.
Sam’s career commenced back in 2006 when he took up umpiring for the Swan Districts Junior Football Umpires Association before his elevation to the Western Australian Football League in 2008.
His record of achievements to date include umpiring in the State Under 16’s championships in 2011, the State Under 18’s Championships in 2013, the 2015 State Game between Western Australia and South Australia and the recipient of the 2015 Merv Carter Medal as Goal Umpire of the Year. Sam has umpired 6 grand finals – 2 WAFL Colt in 2009 and 2014; WAFL Reserves in 2010 and 2012 and 2 WAFL in 2015 and 2016. Sam’s career highlights to date were his first WAFL grand final in 2015 and winning the Goal Umpire of the year award.
Sam believes umpiring is great for his development on a personal level and also working as part of a team. He loves the sense of working hard to meet goals and the sense of accomplishment he feels when he achieves it. Brett Rogers has been influential in Sam’s career, also coming from the Swans District. Sam was inspired by Brett’s talent and eagerness to learn through his junior years. Brett has also been there to provide assistance and support throughout Sam’s career.
Sam believes umpires aspiring to be successful need to possess a can-do attitude, listen to their coaches, give it their best shot and most importantly, have fun along the way.
Employed as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic with Western Power, his work includes the servicing and maintenance of their specialised Crane Borers and Elevated Work Platforms (EWP). Crane Borers are used to bore holes in the ground and lift power poles into place while the elevated EWPs are used to access the pole tops. Being quite hands on, Sam enjoys working on cars, bikes or building and fixing things. He also enjoys most sports either as a spectator or player.
Sam, we wish you all the best for season 2017.
Article written by: AFLUA Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Peter Kelly