Josh Furman started umpiring with the Southern Umpires’ Association in 2010 where he umpired for 5 years before joining the VFL in 2015. In his 4 years with the VFL, Josh made an immediate impression and was appointed to the VFL Development Grand Final in 2016 and 2017, before being appointed to the 2018 VFL Grand Final. He was awarded the 2018 VFL Boundary Umpire of the Year before being offered the one spot in Victoria on the AFL Boundary Umpires’ Squad for 2019.
His love of the game and a constant desire to improve himself is what motivates Josh. He is especially thankful to former VFL coach Matthew Vitiritti, who was instrumental in helping Josh with his journey as a VFL boundary umpire during his first 3 years. Another significant influence has been Darren Wilson, who reminded Josh to seize opportunities as they arose, and that hard work separated those who made it and those who didn’t.
Josh believes umpiring in the VFL has provided him with a great stepping stone to AFL football, given the quality of VFL football, the boundary umpires he got to run alongside and the great training facilities at Victoria Park. His advice to up and coming umpires is to be coachable and listen to feedback, work hard as you never know what’s around the corner and most importantly, have fun along the way.
Josh holds a Bachelor of Business from Monash University and is currently working as a pool lifeguard until he takes up a full-time graduate job as a consultant in February 2019. His hobbies include surfing, travelling and like most boundary umpires, running (athletics).
We wish Josh all the best in his first season!
Article written by: AFLUA Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Peter Kelly