Two field umpires bit the dust prior to the commencement of the round which saw David Harris and Leigh Fisher come in for their first games of the season. Scott Jeffery (back) and Jason Armstrong (calf) were the two umpires who were replaced.
Josh Mather became the second boundary umpire in as many weeks to debut in the AFL. Josh becomes the 558th boundary umpire to officiate in VFL/AFL football. Josh debuted in the StKilda v GWS game at the Docklands. Josh comes from great umpiring stock with his father umpiring in the WRFL and grand father, George a long time umpire, trainer, fitness coach and life member of the AFLUA.
Another young boundary umpire has been added to the list, Tim Lougoon was promoted late last week to replace Nick Liparota from Queensland. Tim has umpired the last two VFL grand finals. When we spoke to his about his promotion he indicated that he was blind-sided by it coming after the season had already commenced. Tim had conceded that he had missed out again and was intent on working towards a three-peat in the VFL hoping to knock down the door to AFL selection.
We wish him well as he commences his AFL career.