EFNL Umpiring - The talent & depth continues between the sticks!

When it comes to the scoreboard, rest assured 2023 will see one of the most experienced and talented lists of goal umpires the EFNL has put between the post in recent times.

With a big emphasis on matching the caliber of football that’s displayed each week, the league’s off-season recruitment has been aggressive on ensuring our umpiring panels are set to meet the demand. And no stone has been left unturned when is comes to the personel holding the flags each weekend.

Here is a snapshot to some of the names you will see waving the flags come a weekend.

Goals

Mariten Pruysers

A pioneer to the game and veteran of 43 years, Martien celebrated game 1900 in 2022 and once again he is back for another season. Martien’s long service to the league not only holds him in high regard amongst his peers, he also contiues to add value in his development to the young prospering umpires climbing the ranks. Its not uncommon to see Martien umpiring at the premier levels of the league of a Saturday, and then backing up again on a Sunday in an under 8’s game.

Andrew Wastie

Father of young gun Patrick, Andrew will enter his 19th season this year. He is a consistent performer on field umpiring in our premier division, and backed with many senior grand finals to his name. In 2023 Andrew will reach 500 games, an incredble milestone. Andrew is enjoying having Patrick taking up goal umpiring and watching him develop, he also got to see him umpire a grand final in his first season.

Ash Powney

Ash a seasoned professional, with a sensational season in 2022 having him be appointed to umpiring the Premier Grand Final. His ability sees him as one of the most consistent performers amongst the group. With 5 Premier senior grand finals to his name to show this consistency. Ash is into his 19th season and has umpired over 450 games.

Image - Ash in action during the Premier Grand Final 2022 - Photo Chris Powney Photography

David Parker

Stepping into his 22nd year of umpiring in the EFNL, 17 senior grand finals to his name, goes without saying the score card is in no better hands of a Saturday. David is incredibly passionate about the discipline that also sees him involved in the AFL ARC score review panel of a weekend.

Patrick Wastie

“Watch this space”. Son of long-time stalwart of the goals Andrew Wastie, Patrick had the best grand final in the EFNL last year with a thrilling golden point finish in the Division 3 Reserves. We are looking forward to seeing him further develop over the coming season and try and knock of his father’s reign as the better goal umpire in the Wastie household.

Jesse Fry

With his most successful year in the goals in 2022 with him officiating his first senior Grand Final (Division 2). Jesse is back not only improve on his 2022 achievements, but also add to the humor and laughter he shares in the rooms that is not a common trait from this discipline. A joy to have around the club, willing to contribute anyway possible for the better of the group.

Image - Jesse with his eyes on the ball during the Div 2 Grand Final - Photo Chris Powney Photography

Oliver McKenzie

Rolling into his second year as goal umpire, under 19s Premier Division Grand Final umpire in 2022. Looking to make his way up to umpiring a senior Premier Division game this year. Oliver is no doubt a name to watch with anticipation on how far he can take his umpiring within the league and beyond.

With umpiring being an integral component to our game, anyone interested in entertaining becoming an umpire please get in contact with EFNL umpire operations manager Scott Van Noordennen at svannoordennen@efnl.org.au