Photo: AFL Rookie Umpire, Sam Hunter – WA Goal Umpire of the Year
Congratulations are extended to all of our kindred bodies and their umpires, as their 2018 season’s draw to a close this weekend.
It is very heartening to see many of our current rookies and some former members participate in those finals.
In Victoria, rookie field umpire, John Howorth will step out onto Etihad Stadium on Sunday to officiate in his first VFL senior grand final. John will join with former AFLUA member, Andrew Talbot who will also umpire his first VFL GF. Fellow rookie umpire, Cameron Dore is the emergency field umpire.
In South Australia, two former members, Corey Bowen and Toby Medlin have been selected to officiate in the SANFL grand final, while current rookie Jamie Broadbent is the emergency field umpire. Two other former members, Matthew Cummins is in the goals and Mathew Wilson is the emergency goal umpire.
The last state league grand final to be played is in Perth. Former rookie umpire, Matt Adams is joined by current rookie, Justin Power as two of the three field umpires in the match. Justin has staged a remarkable come back after injuring his ankle in an earlier final.
Goal umpire, Sam Hunter, also a rookie on the AFL list should be singled out for a special mention because he was also crowned as goal umpire of the year in WA.
We wish all of our umpires and indeed all officiating umpires the best of luck in their competitions, grand finals.