2017 sees the return of Kayne Nund to the Rookie Squad in Queensland after serving as a Rookie before in 2014.
Kayne commenced a player to umpire pathway program in 2013 and has umpired three years in the NEAFL (2013, 2014 and 2016) and one with the VFL in 2015. Interestingly, whilst playing football, Kayne was inspired to make the transition to umpiring after seeing Jordan Bannister and Leigh Fisher umpiring at the elite level. Kayne’s memorable moments include his first bench appearance as an AFL Rookie in 2014, umpiring the NEAFL Grand Final in 2016 and being awarded NEAFL Umpire of the Year in 2016.
Kayne is a police officer and has served the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for 8 years. Whilst serving, Kayne played football for the QPS and has been named All-Australian Representative for the National Police Football Team four times.
There are two people who Kayne believes have been most influential on his career to date. “Cameron Nash was instrumental in my early umpiring days, providing me with great support and coaching whilst his current coach, Jason Baldwin’s approach to umpiring and knowledge of the game is second-to-none.”
Kayne is motivated by success. He loves seeing someone work hard and succeed as a result. His other motivations are his family and young son. “Setting good examples for him is very important to me.” To up and coming umpires, his advice is to work hard and be coachable, whilst ensuring you have fun and enjoy yourself along the way.
Kayne looks up to Andrew Stephens for inspiration. “Having umpired with Andrew at state league level and now seeing him umpire at the elite level, l admire how he has been able to transition to that level of umpiring and perform strongly on a regular basis.” He adds, “Andrew is a humble individual, which l think is a great quality for an AFL umpire to have.”
Outside of umpiring, Kayne loves all sports, travelling and spending time with his family.
Congratulations on your return to AFL Rookie status in Queensland and best wishes for the year ahead.
Article written by: AFLUA Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Peter Kelly
