Former Darling Downs umpire Alistair Meldrum was announced in Sydney on Sunday night as the 2014 North Eastern Australian Football League goal umpire of the year.
It is a terrific honour and reward for a young man who has worked tirelessly.
Meldrum officiated his first match in April 2007, in Kingaroy. Umpiring started as a way for the then 12-year Meldrum to earn pocket money but fast became a passion. Under the guidance of Regional Umpire Managers Mal Pasfield and Wayne Waltisbuhl, Alistair worked hard on the art of goal umpiring and fine tune the techniques required to set him up for a bright future.
After becoming one of the most accomplished umpires on the Darling Downs, Alistair decided it was time to take his passion to the next level and took up umpiring in Brisbane across the states premier junior and senior competitions.
Alistair is now rated as one of the top umpires in the state and has been touted as a potential Australian Football League umpire.
Meldrum spoke to darlingdowns.aflq.com.au and was thankful for the opportunities he was given.
“(I am) thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given over my career, ever since I started back in Toowoomba to get myself to this point,” Meldrum said.
“I began goal umpiring in early April 2007, umpiring my first match at Kingaroy as a way to earn some pocket money.
“From there with encouragement and guidance from the AFL Darling Downs Umpire Association I worked on my craft for four years, before moving on to bigger and better things in Brisbane,” NEAFL goal umpire of the year Alistair Meldrum said.
Meldrum is one of the most decorated umpires not only from the Darling Downs but in Queensland as well. He has been awarded numerous individual accolades and at just 19-years of age, he shows passion and love for umpiring well beyond his years. However, he knows that the hard work must continue if he is to reach his goal.
“I've loved umpiring since I started back in 2007 and look forward to training hard and refining my skills as I look to finish this season strong and work hard over the off season to set myself for an even better season next year.”
Alistair Meldrum Achievements
Debut: April 2007, Lyle Vidler Oval - Kingaroy
AFL Darling Downs Division 1 Grand-Final goal umpire - 2007&2010
AFL Darling Downs goal umpire of the year - 2010
AFL Queensland most promising goal umpire - 2012
AFL Queensland Umpires Assocation most improved goal umpire - 2012
North Eastern AFL Grand-Final appointed goal umpire - 2012&2013
Milestone: 50th State League game, season 2014
PHOTOS: Top - Alistair working hard over the 2013/2014 summer | Bottom - Alistair at the 2014 NEAFL awards night after receiving his award.
Last Modified on 05/09/2014 09:41
