The crew tasked with officiating this Sunday’s massive Goulburn Valley League senior football grand final at Deakin Reserve has been locked in, with some first-time appointments in the mix.
Of the seven roving umpires given the league’s top responsibility, three are taking on the job for the first time: field umpire Simon O’Shea and boundary umpires Lucas Young and Erica Hayes.
Additionally, goal umpire Doug Fraser will receive his first dose of GVL grand final action between the sticks.
In O’Shea’s mind, a wealth of previous experience in major finals across other leagues should hold him in good stead for the occasion.
“This is my 21st year of umpiring, so I’m pretty confident I’ve done enough senior grand finals,” O’Shea said.
“But with this one coming up, on match day you do lean on the ones who have done this before.”
Hayes and Young concurred.
“I’ve talked to Isaac (Chandler) and Adam (Napier) who have done the GVL final before, so they’ve helped me out with tips on what to prepare for,” Young said.
Chandler will participate in his second GVL decider after making his debut in last year’s Echuca-Euroa game.
The crew will surely seek inspiration from senior field umpire Andrew Moore, who will be officiating the biggest game on the Goulburn Valley sporting calendar for a 13th time.
“I’ve done five Kyabram District League football grand finals, but this is the biggest one,” O’Shea said of his track record.
“It’s a step up, so I think it gives you good experience.”
Young is also keenly anticipating a heaving atmosphere at Deakin Reserve.
“I did senior grand finals in the Kyabram league as well, but before that the pandemic took over, and I wasn’t getting anything then,” Young said.
Meanwhile, Hayes is shaping up as the first female appointee to run the boundaries in this environment after accruing experience in last year’s Murray league senior grand final.
“I started in 2019, but like Lucas, COVID affected it a bit,” Hayes said.
Hayes ponders the possibility her appointment could play a role in more girls within the region donning the fluoro green.
“I think it could have an effect,” Hayes said.
“I do see more girls starting to try and progress into senior umpiring now.”
O’Shea, Moore and Simon Walsh will operate as field umpires, with Young, Hayes, Chandler and Adam Napier set to run the boundaries and Fraser and Charlie Zampaglione appointed to the goals.