Grand-Final day isn’t just a big day for those teams competing; the final day of season is also massive for those Umpires appointed to officiate the season big games.
Youth and Experience will be on show officiating this years Allied Pickford’s Cup Grand-Final.
Newly inducted AFL Mackay life-member and Mackay Umpire of 15 years Simon Henderson has been appointed along with the experienced Alex Finney and in his first Men’s Grand-Final teenager and Representative Umpire of the Year, Matthew Stewart.
AFL Queensland Regional Manager, Jeff Neumann said it was terrific to have such a diverse group to officiate the biggest game of the year.
“Absolutely fantastic, three of the very best field Umpires not only in Mackay but the State,” Regional Manager Jeff Neumann said.
“Simon is very experienced officiating in numerous Grand-Finals along with Alex Finney, who is beyond his years in experience with Finney and Henderson making prolific duo throughout season 2015,” Neumann added.
“Our third field Umpire for the day is field Umpire Matthew Stewart, who will officiate in his first senior men’s Grand-Final.”
“Matthew has had a stellar season and we have received really, really good feedback on his performances and decision making.”
Jeff Neumann was asked how the Umpires would be feeling ahead of the Grand-Final.
“No doubt Matthew is in particular very nervous, though he’ll just be as nervous as the other Umpires along with the players, coaches and spectators.
“Though this team, they work well together and officiated last weekend’s Preliminary Final, we are very confident they will do an exceptional job,” Neumann said on the trio’s appointments.
Stewart, Henderson and Finney will be joined by female goal umpires in Jessica Finney and Rebecca Smith after the duo both performed at a consistently high level throughout the home and away season.
Joining the field and goal umpires will be NEAFL Boundary Umpire Ryan Villalba along with Harrison Arnold, Jack Booth and Jackson Caley who have all been rewarded for their outstanding seasons running the boundary.
Photo: Umpires Ryan Villalba (right), Jessica Finney and Matthew Stewart will all officiate on AFL Mackay Grand Final day.
Click on the PDF link below to view this weekend's appointments for the AFL Mackay Grand Final Day
Last Modified on 14/09/2015 12:15