EFNL UMPIRING - No exceptions made on the talent running the lines around the boundary in 2023!
Often referred to as the elite of elite to the umpiring fraternity, it’s not uncommon to find our boundary umpires clocking up a staggering 15-20km each Saturday afternoon.
With a major focus to the off season recruiting and training campaign being to ensure a balanced and rounded umpiring panel in 2023, you will find the make-up of our boundary list matching the experience and depth scene in recent weeks of our field and goal umpires.
Here is a snapshot to some of the names you will see holding a whistle in the upcoming season.
Boundary
Brad Stelfox
Age is no barrier for Brad, leading the group with maturity as well as his athletic ability finds him highly respected amongst the group. Started his journey as a Boundary Umpire in 2019 joining his son Jack after debuting in 2017. With only 30 games to his name Brad is a consistent performer in the senior divisions each week. Brad catapulted his career in 2023 to be appointed to the Division 2 Senior Grand Final at Mitcham.
Image - Brad Stelfox during his Division 2 Grand Final in 2022 - Pic Chriss Powney Photography
Marcus Allan
Entering his 10th season, Marcus is a quiet achiever and a high one at that. Always at training running hard and participating in all things Boundary related. Marcus is coming off his most successful season after finishing with the Division 1 Senior Grand Final. Sure to be eager on taking his umpiring and athletic ability further, 2023 will be a year to watch the space for Marcus.
Chris Powney
A familiar face to all those behind the boundary of a Saturday. Chris is the longest serving member of our team having officiated in over 600 games on the boundary. Included in this is 18 grand finals along with 3 division 1 ( now prem ) grand finals. Chris brings a lot of experience to the group and is a tremendous help in mentoring the younger prospects of the league.
Stef Vanderslik
Stef leading our female presence in the discipline. Her energy and passion for umpiring cannot be questioned and no coincidence that 2022 saw her finish the season with a senior grand final. With her fitness matching her decision making and skillset, Stef is a pivotal pillar to our female make up in 2023.
Travis Hillier
Life of the party and energy to training track. Travis came to EFNL after starting his umpire career with the Yarra Valley. Since his arrival he has taken on the responsibility running senior boundary and junior field on Sundays. Travis sets his training standards at a very high level like his father Warren, before him. His personality shines through on the training track and is eager to improve on his 2022 achievements that saw him umpire in the Division 2 grand final.
Image - Travis Hillier on the hallowed turf of Mitcham Oval in 2022
That concluding our showcase to some of the faces and names to watch out for in 2023, and with the season fast approaching, the league is set to be in no better control that is has seen in recent years.
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