Former AFL Darling Downs Umpire Alistair Meldrum is making a mark of different kind, while most up and coming juniors set their sights on playing the game Alistair is hoping to one day be officiating on the big stage.
From first volunteering to run the boundary of a Saturday morning for the local Under 13 fixtures, Alistair hasn't looked back as he continues the officiating role but instead behind the big sticks.
A former winner of the Des Janetski Trophy for the regions best Goal Umpire, Alistair has been regularly lining up officiating the NEAFL game of the round. Meldrum was lucky enough to goal umpire the NEAFL clash at Metricon Stadium, a curtin raiser to the Gold Coast SUNS AFL game.
Alistair is looking forward to the Under 16 National Championships in July, which he has been appointed.
"I can't wait, it will be a fantastic experience", Meldrum told darlingdowns.aflq.com.au
Getting to the top level is very difficult for a player, it is also very difficult for an umpire and Alistair has had the advantage of the AFL Goal Umpire Coach passing on a few tips, through out the season.
"I have been observed serval times by the AFL Goal Umpire coach and his feedback has been very helpful in myself continually improving my performance in games", Meldrum said
At the moment the AFL goal umpiring ranks are full but Alistair is hopeful of one day soon, getting the call up to the big time and living his dream.
If you'd like to get into AFL Umpiring, then call the AFL office on (07) 4632 2994
PHOTO: Alistair posing in 2010 after his appointment at the Under 15 State Championships.
Last Modified on 04/07/2012 09:00
