Big V umpires take flight

The VAFA Umpiring Department announced the umpires selected to represent the VAFA & VAFAUA in the upcoming Big V men’s & women’s matches when they take on the Adelaide Footy League at Aldi Arena on Saturday June 9.

It will be the first time the VAFA will be taking a field, boundary & goal umpire interstate and will officiate both the men’s & women’s matches over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. In past years it has been common practice to take a field umpire to represent the competition in these fixtures outside Victoria; however, this opportunity has been extended so the VAFA is truly represented across all three umpiring disciplines.

VAFA Umpire Operations Manager, Haydn O’Connor, said he is thrilled with the increased representation of our officiating community as the Big V program is the envy of all representative programs across community football.

“It is the belief of the VAFA Umpiring Department that it is important that these opportunities are available to the outstanding officials who participate in our competition, in all disciplines.”

As part of an increased focus into the umpiring component of the Big V representative program, the six selected umpires will be involved in professional development activities in the lead up to Saturday’s games.

These include being an integral part of the Big V jumper presentation on Thursday evening and departing for Adelaide on Friday to meet their South Australian counterparts and develop relationships prior to officiating together the next day.

“Understanding the slight differences in umpiring with others you meet only just before the game is difficult, so offering the opportunity to create a relationship with your teammates prior to the game will help communication and teamwork during the match and we thank the Adelaide Footy League and Colin Rowston (Adelaide Footy League Umpiring Manager) for all their help in this program.”

Following dinner, the VAFA Umpires will attend Port Adelaide v Richmond at Adelaide Oval with access to the AFL Umpires rooms prior to the game.

“The AFL Umpiring Department, as seen with the Community Umpire Round & VAFA Umpires Round, are fantastic in their relationship with community umpiring groups and promoting the experience of umpiring. I cannot thank Adam Davis (National Development Manager of Umpiring) and those at the AFL enough for allowing this experience to those chosen by the VAFA.”

After reviewing the first nine rounds, the VAFA Umpire Coaches have considered all officials performances over this period and selected those who have had outstanding starts to the season in the William Buck Premier section.

Headlining these selections are 2016 Umpire of the Year & 2015, 2016 & 2017 William Buck Premier Grand Final Field umpire, Matt Oakley, and 2016 & 2017 William Buck Premier Grand Final Goal umpire, Tom Moloney, who have both been selected for the Big V men’s match. They are joined by Nick Weidmann on the boundary, who after moving from Tasmania has been a wonderful asset to the VAFA since 2016.

In the women’s match, up-and-coming stars within VAFA umpiring circles Oliver Murray, Shaun Bourke & Jasmina Lieu are all deserving of their selection to be a part of the VAFA representative program after being consistent high performers in the William Buck Premier sections.

“I and the VAFA Umpiring Department have no doubt that the umpires selected for these matches will continue the great tradition of excellence on and off the field for all associated with the Big V”.

VAFA vs Adelaide Footy League – 3pm ALDI Arena

Field – Matthew Oakley (1^st Big V Appointment). Boundary – Nick Weidmann (1^st Big V Appointment). Goal – Tom Moloney (2^nd Big V Appointment)

VAFA Women’s vs Adelaide Footy League – 1.10pm ALDI Arena

Field – Oliver Murray (1^st Big V Appointment). Boundary – Shaun Bourke (1^st Big V Appointment). Goal – Jasmina Lieu (1^st Big V Appointment).

Stay tuned to VAFA HQ & VAFA Umpires on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter for all the latest in the lead up and on match day.