Revealed: South Australia’s top 50 football umpires across AFL, AFLW and SANFL
Footy umpires cop plenty of flak but without them there’s no game. See the full list of South Australia’s finest whistleblowers, boundary runners and flag wavers.
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Without umpires, there are no games. It is as simple as that.
So who are South Australian football’s top umpires and what makes them want to do a job where they are often subject to heavy criticism and that their best form of flattery – from a fans and media perspective – is going unnoticed?
In a month where the AFL and SANFL celebrated umpire appreciation round and community umpiring week, The Advertiser went behind the scenes to find SA’s top whistleblowers, boundary runners and flag wavers while also discovering what makes them tick.
Here are 50 of the finest, listed in alphabetical order.
MICHAEL BAKER
Boundary umpire (AFL)
Age: 35
Occupation: Primary school teacher
Hobbies: “Reading, the beach, family time, coaching kids’ cricket team.’’
“Off field, Michael is a hardworking teacher and father of three. He navigates his time to ensure he gets all required umpiring sessions done while striking the right balance between work and home. Over his career he has inspired other umpires with his resilience. On field, Michael leaves it all out on the ground. His commitment to improve and look for any opportunity to learn is excellent. He has a good feel for footy and officiating and his communication and teamwork skills are elite.’’ – AFL boundary umpires coach Darren Wilson.
NATHAN BECKER
Boundary umpire
Age: 19
Occupation: Works in a sporting warehouse
Hobbies: “I enjoy playing golf and going fishing when I get the chance.’’
“Nathan made his league debut in Round 14, 2023, and has a natural ability to read the game and is always in the correct position to make a decision if required. He also possesses a strong and consistent throw that he performs with minimal effort. When Nathan is not umpiring you will regularly find him on a golf course, which he also makes look easy. Nathan has a long career ahead of him and has the ability to umpire at the highest level.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
AARON BENNETT
Field umpire
Age: 29
Occupation: Business account manager
Hobbies: “International travel, spending time at the beach, being a passionate supporter of Aston Villa in the English Premier League.’’
“After joining the SANFL in 2011, Aaron has developed into a solid contributor at league level. His passion and love for umpiring is infectious and he has a positive effect on the young umpires who join our ranks. Aaron’s on-field willingness to give 100 per cent with everything he does will hopefully see him umpire games at league level for many years to come.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
MASON BEYER
Field umpire
Age: 29
Occupation: Police officer
Hobbies: “Water skiing, wake boarding and running.’’
“Mason joined the league in 2012 and we have seen him steadily rise through the under-age
competition into league football. He has had a taste of senior football now and through
commitment and the want to continue to improve in all facets of his umpiring he should
become a regular at league level. Mason does extremely well to combine a career in the police force and the time required to be a successful SANFL league umpire.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
COREY BOWEN
Field umpire
Age: 41
Occupation: Sales manager.
Hobbies: “Travelling, cricket, Formula 1 racing, NHL and NBA.’’
“The rock of SANFL umpiring. After a stint with the AFL we have seen Corey come back to
SANFL level with great commitment and a desire to be successful. A quiet lad when he
first joined our ranks, Corey is now a really positive leader of young umpires. Heading towards 400 league matches and having umpired eight league grand finals, he is becoming a legend of SANFL umpiring. He is also Umpires Coach of the Hills Football League.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
JAMIE BROADBENT
Field umpire (AFL)
Age: 29
Occupation: Physiotherapist.
Hobbies: “Going to the beach, golf, coffee with mates.’’
“Joined the AFL rookie program in 2018 and has now officiated in 84 AFL and 18 AFLW games. After not making the first team at Sacred Heart College, Jamie took his love of football elsewhere and became a field umpire with the Metro South Junior Football League in 2010. He joined the SANFL in 2011 and umpired one under-16s, three under-18s and one reserves grand final in his seven years in the state league competition. His mum encouraged him to take up umpiring as a youngster and his dad has been a great support to his umpiring career. Jamie cites (field umpire) Leigh Haussen for being such a good role model for his career.’’ – AFL head umpire coach Michael Jennings.
CHRIS BULL
Boundary umpire (AFL)
Age: 38
Occupation: Police officer
Hobbies: “Any outside physical activity, keeping fit and attempting to keep my lawns alive.’’
“Off field, Chris manages shift work and being an elite AFL boundary umpire exceptionally well. The challenge of recovering from AFL games mixed with shift work shows how professional Chris is. On field, he is an elite decision maker and strong team member. His performances under pressure have seen him achieve the ultimate in boundary umpiring in being an AFL Grand Final umpire. The ability to perform under pressure and remain composed are two strong characteristics I think of in regard to Chris.’’ – AFL boundary umpires coach Darren Wilson.
MICHAEL BUTTON
Goal umpire
Age: 27
Occupation: Cadastral and infrastructure surveyor
Hobbies: “Watching sport, finding new places to eat and drink and spending time with family and friends.’’
“Michael is currently on the AFLW panel and umpired the 2022 SANFL grand final. He began umpiring as a teenager in Mount Gambier before moving to Adelaide for university studies and joining the SANFL panel. He has developed into an experienced senior umpire with hopes of further progression.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
SEAN BURTON
Boundary umpire (AFL)
Age: 34
Occupation: Chartered accountant
Hobbies: “Cycling, golf, Formula 1 racing, playing with my dog Mango.’’
“Off field, Sean is meticulous with his preparation and very professional in the way he reviews his games and looks for opportunities to find ways to improve. He has a real focus on controlling the controllables. On field, Sean allows his actions to speak for him. He uses the confidence he has from the work done with his preparation to work from first bounce to final siren. He reads the play and understands the game well, which allows him to be in the right position at the right time to make decisions.’’ – AFL boundary umpires coach Darren Wilson.
TOM BRYCE
Field umpire (AFL)
Age: 28
Occupation: Exercise Physiologist
Hobbies: “Watching American sports, playing with my dog, Nala, and travelling.’’
“Tom won his first Golden Whistle (as the SANFL’s top field umpire) in 2022, when he was rewarded for his consistency, commitment and dedication, and has officiated three SANFL league grand finals. He has challenged himself in all aspects of field umpiring and remained focused and committed to improving his umpiring. Joining the SANFL’s Umpiring Academy in 2014, Bryce has now officiated 15 AFL and 94 SANFL league matches.’’ – AFL head umpire coach Michael Jennings.
PETER CHALLEN
Goal umpire (AFL)
Age: 41
Occupation: Contracts officer
“Peter is a highly dedicated umpire – one of the hardest workers at his craft that you would come across. He has shown great resilience after being sent back to the SANFL after a few seasons to fight his way back to get his (AFL) list spot back and go on to umpire at an elite level, which has seen him appointed to AFL finals. He is extremely honest about his match performances and review processes.’’ – AFL goal umpires coach Davis Dixon.
MATT CUMMINS
Goal umpire
Age: 44
Occupation: Branch Manager – Fielders Steel Roofing
Hobbies: “Listening to music, having a keen interest in other sports, including NHL, MLB, basketball, tennis, soccer and motorsports. I also like building Lego and spending time with my wife and daughter.’’
“Matt is a consummate umpire with over 300 games of excellence, who has been rewarded with selection for eight men’s league grand finals (2007-2008, 2011-2012, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2023).’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
CURTIS DEBOY
Field umpire (AFL)
Age: 34
Occupation: Sports administrator
Hobbies: “Hosting the Outback Quarterback – Australia’s biggest NFL podcast.’’
“Curtis joined the AFL umpires rookie list in 2013 and made his AFL debut two years later. He has since officiated in 165 AFL and 122 SANFL games. He made his way into the AFL scene after a strong track record in the SANFL, where he won the Golden Whistle award in 2013 and umpired the 2012 and 2013 grand finals. He was adjudged the SANFLUA’s Most Dedicated Field Umpire in 2013. Curtis’ work ethic and professionalism have proved to be his assets in the AFL seniors’ list, where he has been an integral part of the field umpires’ leadership group.’’ – AFL head umpire coach Michael Jennings.
TOBIN DOLMAN
Boundary umpire
Age: 23
Occupation: Primary school teacher
Hobbies: “I love going camping, spending time with my mates and watching the AFL, NFL and NBA.’’
“Mr Consistency – rain, hail or shine. Tobin is always in the right position and has consistent throws in all conditions. He made his league debut on Adelaide Oval in Round 18, 2022, and is a young man who has already officiated 23 league games and has a long career ahead of him. Tobin is always composed and does not get flustered when making decisions.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
TAYLOR DORSEY
Boundary umpire
Age: 26
Occupation: Bunnings Warehouse, goods inwards specialist
Hobbies: “Besides keeping a close eye on all types of sport and motorsport, my other interests outside of footy include going to the gym, camping, reading and building Lego on occasions.’’
“Taylor officiated his 100th league game in Round 1 this season at Norwood Oval and is prepared to give his all, both in trainings and during games. He aims to be the best he can be and is always seeking feedback on how he can get better. Taylor is hungry to officiate in more league grand finals after being fortunate enough to umpire the 2022 league decider.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
MARTIN ELSEGOOD
Boundary umpire
Age: 28
Occupation: Research engineer
Hobbies: “Family, gardening, house renovations.’’
“Martin is the quiet achiever. He continues to go about his business and works hard off the field to maintain his very high fitness level. Martin has achieved many things during his umpiring career – state games, Silver Whistles and four league grand finals. He has league game number 200 in his sights (he is currently on 186) and should reach the milestone this season.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
STEVEN EVANSON
Boundary umpire
Age: 30
Occupation: Business analyst.
Hobbies: “Online gaming, playing the guitar.’’
“Steve was a talented long distance runner prior to starting his umpiring career. He had a long apprenticeship umpiring reserves football before making his league debut in early 2021 and hasn’t looked back since. Steve’s background in long distance running certainly set the foundation for a long and successful career running the boundary.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
TOM FAHEY
Goal umpire
Age: 32
Occupation: Two jobs – nature education officer and bush carer in conservation
Hobbies: “Sports, including footy, cricket, tennis and motorsport, the beach, hiking in nature, growing plants and veggies, op shopping, catching up with friends and family.’’
“Tom has developed into a consistent league performer who is very committed to his craft.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
CRAIG FLEER
Field umpire (AFL)
Age: 38
Occupation: Electrician
Hobbies: “Golf, gardening, travel and home renovations.’’
“In 2002, Craig became the first South Australian field umpire to officiate in an AFL grand final when he took charge of the Richmond-Geelong clash at the Gabba. After making his AFL debut in 2012, Craig was forced to overcome the disappointment of being delisted at the end of 2014 before in 2015 winning the SANFL’s Golden Whistle award and officiating in the SANFL v WAFL state game and SANFL grand final. As a result, he found his way back onto the AFL umpiring list in 2016 and as now logged 211 AFL games.’’ – AFL head umpire coach Michael Jennings.
BRADEN FORD
Goal umpire
Age: 26
Occupation: Production manager at AGT Foods Australia
Hobbies: “Helping out down at the local footy club, Balaklava, and trying to play golf.’’
“Currently on the AFLW panel, Braden’s strong performances have been rewarded with officiating at the past three SANFL grand finals. He is another country boy who is hoping for promotion to the next level.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
BRAD HAMMER
Goal umpire
Age: 29
Occupation: Social worker
Hobbies: “Anything sports related, cooking and travelling.’’
“Brad has developed into a consistent league umpire who has been rewarded with being appointed to the AFLW for the coming season.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
MITCH HARRIS
Field umpire
Age: 32
Occupation: Data/AV technician at Professional Technology Partners
Hobbies: “My four kids keep me busy and I’m also president of the Nairne Knights Soccer Club.’’
“In his early years in the league, Mitch demonstrated a very good knowledge of the laws of the game and an ability to read the play. As his fitness improved, so did his on-field performance. His ability to communicate with players in a calm and composed
manner is a strength of his umpiring. Mitch has a lot of natural ability in all the facets of umpiring, which assists him in the heat of battle. We are looking forward to seeing Mitch, through his commitment and dedication, becoming a long term SANFL senior umpire. He is a leader among our team, both on and off the field.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
LEIGH HAUSSEN
Field umpire (AFL)
Age: 36
Occupation: Self employed/finance
Hobbies: “Spending time with family and friends, running and exploring new places, gardening.’’
“Never say never is a bit of a catch phrase in Leigh’s world after he was delisted as an AFL Rookie Umpire at the end of 2016. He found himself promoted to the AFL field umpires list for 2017 and has now umpired 137 AFL games and 166 SANFL league games, including state league grand finals from 2010-2013 and 2015-2016. Leigh’s journey to the AFL started back in 2001 in both the Sturt SASFA and Metro South Junior Football League. He progressed through to the Independent School Sports Association competition before umpiring his first SANFL game (under-17s) in 2006. His first league game was in Round 1, 2010. He has twice won the SANFL’s Golden Whistle award and umpired two state games. He praised SANFL umpires boss Shane Harris for his influence on his career, saying: “I think anyone who comes through the SANFL is moulded by him in some way or another.’’ – AFL head umpire coach Michael Jennings.
EMILIE HILL
Goal umpire
Age: 26
Occupation: Audiology student
Hobbies: “Keeping active, travelling, watching sport and spending time with friends and family.’’
“Emilie is currently studying her masters at university while umpiring SANFL league football. She was rewarded for her performances by being selected as a goal umpire for last season’s AFLW grand final and being named Goal Umpire of the Year.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
HARRISON HUGHES
Field umpire
Age: 31
Occupation: Risk and resilience manager
Hobbies: “Golf and travel.’’
“Harrison is in his 10th season with the league and over the past couple of years has developed into a regular league umpire. His on-field performances have seen a real maturity starting to shine through. His ability to run and having a relaxed, composed attitude has seen Harrison officiate in senior league finals. He joined the AFLW squad last season and performed well. Hopefully this becomes a long-term involvement for Harrison at either AFLW level or earns him an opportunity in the men’s competition.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
BRODIE KENNY-BELL
Goal umpire (AFL)
Age: 33
Occupation: Health care
Hobbies: “American sport, visiting breweries with friends.’’
“Has recently returned to SA after a nine-year stint in NSW. Brodie is a highly-talented umpire that saw him appointed to an AFL final in his first season of AFL. He has a great ability to read the play, position accordingly and is an excellent decision maker. Brodie is at the top of his game, being appointed as emergency goal umpire for the 2023 AFL grand final and, more recently, this year’s ANZAC Day game between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG.’’ – AFL goal umpires coach Davis Dixon.
MATT KONETSCHKA
Boundary umpire (AFL)
Age: 31
Occupation: Analyst with BHP
Hobbies: “Following as many sports as possible, cycling, running, board games, hanging out with friends and family.’’
“Off field, Matt is a true professional. He is meticulous and his organisation and planning skills allow him to be successful in every pursuit he puts his mind to. On field, his record speaks volumes. He has a confident humility with the ability to critically analyse his performance and look for those little things that can make a difference. The work he has done off field on his throw-ins alone shows in the consistency of his performance in this area. He is one of the most elite officials in Australia.’’ – AFL boundary umpires coach Darren Wilson.
GILES LEWIS
Field umpire
Age: 33
Occupation: Work at Australia Post
Hobbies: “Watching Everton play soccer and motorbikes.’’
“After umpiring for 10 years within our junior ranks and the Adelaide Footy League, Giles decided to take the leap into SANFL senior ranks in 2015. Giles progressed through the system very quickly due to the experience he had gained through his early years. He has had a stint as an AFL rookie and has now umpired more than 150 senior matches. On field, he is a reliable decision maker and due to his composure he has a strong ability to handle senior football.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
MICHAEL LOMBARDI
Goal umpire
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Hobbies: “Cooking, training guide dogs and watching sport.’’
“A younger umpire who is developing his craft with hope of progressing further. He is umpiring the AFL National Under-18s Championships this year. Michael was also appointed to the AFL grand final curtain-raiser in 2022.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
TOM MAYO
Goal umpire
Age: 21
Occupation: Schools services officer and studying to become a secondary school teacher
Hobbies: “Cricket (indoor and outdoor), spending time with family and friends.’’
“Tom is a younger umpire who has performed well and is striving to reach higher levels. He has been appointed to this year’s AFL National Under-18s Championships.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
JACK MILLAR
Field umpire
Age: 24
Occupation: Graduate lawyer
Hobbies: “Outside work, study, umpiring and I’m always looking to plan the next holiday.’’
“Jack has had a solid rise through the ranks since joining the SANFL Academy in 2016. His ability to listen and take on board feedback has assisted him in reaching league level quickly.
Jack’s commitment and dedication to umpiring has also allowed him to become a respected
league umpire. With continued willingness to strive for improvement in all facets of umpiring, Jack can achieve greater highs with his umpiring.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
SAM MORGAN
Field umpire
Age: 26
Occupation: High school teacher
Hobbies: “Hanging out with family and friends.’’
“In the past three years, Sam has matured as a league umpire. He has become a real leader on
the track and in matches for young umpires to look up to. On field, Sam has performed at the highest level, umpiring his first league grand final in 2023. He deserves credit for his passion in wanting to be the best umpire he can. Given his young age and continual improvement, Sam can hopefully move onto an even higher level in the near future. His commitment and dedication cannot be questioned.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
JASON MOORE
Boundary umpire (AFL)
Age: 35
Occupation: Police officer
Hobbies: “Catching up with friends and taking the dogs for a walk.’’
“Off field, Jason is another shift worker who balances the training and game requirements with his shift work. He is a very humble person who does the work when others are not watching. On field, Jason is an expert at looking calm in a chaotic situation. He uses his height to his advantage when it comes to throwing the footy in and is one of the strongest on our list at hurling the Sherrin back into play.’’ – AFL boundary umpires coach Darren Wilson.
STEVEN MURPHY
Goal umpire
Age: 50
Occupation: Radio announcer, DJ, MC.
Hobbies: “Hanging out with my family, music and concerts (retro, current and all styles).’’
“The elder statesman father member of the group with over 30 years experience and still regularly umpiring league football.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
JARED MURTON
Goal umpire
Age: 25
Occupation: Laboratory technician at Viterra
Hobbies: “Watching sports, mainly footy and cricket, and puzzles (sudokus and other word/number puzzles).’’
“A younger umpire who works incredibly hard at his craft and has developed into a regular league umpire.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
RHYS NEGERMAN
Goal umpire (AFL)
Age: 29
Occupation: Appliance technician
Hobbies: “Working out, gaming, collecting Lego sets and cryptocurrency.’’
“A goal umpiring star of the future, Rhys has a great presence in the goal area. He had an excellent 10-year career and grounding in the SANFL, which allowed him to transition into the AFL system seamlessly, where he looks every bit an umpire of vast experience at the level. Rhys has an air of confidence about him and his ability to the read the flight of the ball is a feature of his game, coupled with his excellent decision-making.’’ – AFL goal umpires coach Davis Dixon.
DAMIAN ROBINSON
Boundary umpire
Age: 39
Occupation: Health informatician
Hobbies: “Running, coffee and eating out.’’
“Damian is not the youngest person within the boundary umpiring ranks but he is still showing the younger umpires the way and what is needed to be the best. After more than 200 league games, he still leads the pack in most drills, either short distance or over 1500 metres. There is not much that Damian hasn’t achieved – league grand finals, Silver Whistles (award for the best boundary umpire) and State games, but he continues to push himself to the limit.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
SAM ROYANS
Boundary umpire
Age: 32
Occupation: Police officer
Hobbies: “Gym, tech and coffee.’’
“Sam is closing in on 300 league games and has a long list of achievements to his credit. He has officiated in eight men’s league grand finals (2014 and 2016-22) and 34 AFLW matches while winning numerous Silver Whistles. He has maintained his focus over a long career and is a humble achiever who hopes to one day achieve his dream of umpiring in the AFL.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
MICHAEL SBORO
Field umpire
Age: 36
Occupation: Deputy principal
Hobbies: “Family time, umpiring and triathlons.’’
“Michael is a humble, unobtrusive umpire – on and off the track. He is the quiet achiever. His work ethic and want to get the best out of himself stands out in his umpiring. Not the most
gifted runner, what Michael lacks in that area he makes up for with his desire to get every inch out of himself. Michael is approaching 150 league matches and has umpired a league final and was an emergency for last year’s grand final.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
MITCH SCOTT
Field umpire
Age: 30
Occupation: Chartered accountant
Hobbies: “Cycling, gardening, dog training, exploring South Australia.’’
“After six years with the Central Australian Football League Umpires, Mitch joined the SANFL in 2012. There is no doubt this experience assisted him quickly move through the SANFL competitions to league level. His willingness to work hard on all areas of his umpiring has seen him become a leader both on the field and at training. He has developed a strong ability to listen to his coach and put into action what he is asked of him. This has assisted Mitch in achieving all he has to date and advancement to the AFLW and two
senior grand finals in the past couple of years.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
TOM SHARPE
Goal umpire
Age: 34
Occupation: Business development manager
Hobbies: “Spending time with my young family, having a hit of golf at my local Oakbank Golf Club and enjoying some of SA’s finest reds while playing a vinyl or two.’’
“A three time grand final umpire who consistently is amongst our top umpires.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
BEN SIEBEN
Boundary umpire
Age: 31
Occupation: Manager, governance and legislation
Hobbies: “Spending time with family and friends.’’
“Ben joined the SANFL at a very young age and initially had some injury issues, which put his umpiring career on hold in 2015. After a seven-year break, he decided to again chase his dream of umpiring a league grand final. Ben is always consistent in his attendance at training and willing to assist with the education of younger umpires. His grand final dream is still alive’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
DAVID SOBIERAJ
Field umpire
Age: 43
Occupation: Public servant
Hobbies: “Watching sport.’’
“David is in his 17th season with the SANFL, has consistently umpired league football and is fast approaching the 200-game milestone. Both on and of the field, David is very unobtrusive and from a coaching point of view he is very low maintenance. Week in, week out, he just gets the job done at a high level. David is a leader within the group and the ideal umpire for the young, aspiring umps to use as a role model. His work ethic and the commitment both on and off the field is up there with the very best.’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
DYLAN SPECK
Boundary umpire
Age: 23
Occupation: Landscaper at Urban Creative Landscapes
Hobbies: “I love camping and four-wheel driving and enjoy spending time at the river or beach. I also keep a keen eye on most sports, particularly the NBA.’’
“Dylan achieved his dream when he officiated in the 2023 league grand final – and he is not done yet. He always gives 100 per cent on and off the track and continues to push himself to be as good an umpire as he can. Dylan always volunteers for any league games that are played in the country.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
ELENI TEE
Field umpire (AFL)
Age: 32
Occupation: Umpiring growth and development co-ordinator – female and schools (AFL) umpire growth and female academy manager (SANFL).
Hobbies: “Spending time with family and friends, backyard cricket and watching footy and cricket.’’
“Eleni made history at the age of 25 when she became the first woman to officiate an AFL game as a field umpire. While in high school, she began umpiring for amateur leagues and was awarded an AFL Female Pathway Scholarship. Through her dedication to the sport, Eleni became the first female umpire in the SANFL before going on to umpire 33 senior games in the VFL. Eleni broke through at the highest level in 2017 and with no female umpires to look up to when she was forging her own career, she hopes her debut will open doors for other young girls who are passionate about professional umpiring. Her tenacity and commitment to overcoming barriers have enabled her to smash through this glass ceiling and redefine the role of women in sport.’’ – AFL head umpire coach Michael Jennings.
BRAYDEN THEIL
Boundary umpire
Age: 26
Occupation: Commercial carpet layer
Hobbies: “Running, being an avid gamer and husband.’’
“Brayden is one of the real nice guys of the umpiring group. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him. He has officiated in five SANFL men’s league grand finals (2017, 2019, 2021-2023) and won the Silver Whistle in 2023. Brayden has set his sights on officiating in the AFL and he has all the attributes to get there.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
BEN WILLIAMS
Field umpire
Age: 28
Occupation: Accountant.
Hobbies: “Golf and playing guitar.’’
“Ben first joined the SANFL Academy in 2011 when he was a very good cricketer (as a fast-medium bowler for West Torrens and the Emerging Redbacks). For Ben to achieve the highest level in either cricket or umpiring, one sport had to be sacrificed. Initially Ben chose to continue with his cricket, but we were fortunate that the urge to umpire brought him back to the SANFL in 2019. Ben’s background in umpiring (through his dad, SA Football Hall of Famer Richard Williams) has seen him establish himself at senior level very quickly. As his fitness improved, so did his on field performances. He is very calm and composed in the heat of battle, which helps his decision making and ability to sum up a situation.’’ – SANFL head of umpires Shane Harris.
BEN B WILLIAMS
Boundary umpire
Age: 26
Occupation: Estimator
Hobbies: “Running, footy and fishing.’’
“Ben has experienced some highs and lows during his umpiring career. He has officiated in two league grand finals and has the potential to do many more. Ben throws the ball so high with his throw-ins that many people think he is capable of making it rain. Ben has also officiated in state games and has his sights set on officiating in the national competition.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
MATT WILLIAMS
Goal umpire
Age: 35
Occupation: Transport planner
Hobbies: “Spending time with family and travelling.’’
“A consistent performer over many years who was rewarded with the SANFL v WAFL state game in Perth.’’ – State goal umpires coach Peter Honeyman.
MATTHEW ZACHER
Boundary umpire
Age: 34
Occupation: Project Manager
Hobbies: “Building Lego and being an avid follower of cricket and MLB baseball.’’
“Matt has spent many years learning his craft with the SANFL and really is part of the SANFL boundary umpiring furniture. He umpired his first league grand final in 2017 and has officiated in 241 league games, which should see him reach the 250-game milestone this season. Matt has had his challenges with injuries over the years but has always maintained his focus and deserves the accolades that have come his way.’’ – State boundary umpires coach Quentin Brewer.
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First-time parents Brooke Guildford and Morgan Ellery rushed their five-week-old vomiting baby girl to hospital, only to receive a life-altering diagnosis.