The AFL Umpiring Department have this week selected seven State League field umpires on a short list for October’s Umpiring Combine in Melbourne.
The short listed umpires have been selected following an extensive talent identification program managed by National Umpiring Development Manager Adam Davis. A Talent Identification team that is headed by National Talent Identification Manager Tim Shearer and includes former AFL umpires Michael Avon and Scott McLaren as talent scouts regularly assesses the umpires.
The umpires will continue to be assessed throughout the State League finals with a final list selected following the State League Grand Finals.
These final list umpires will then take part in the two-day combine where they will continue to be assessed by the Talent Identification team along with the AFL umpire coaches. These assessments will include physical and psychological testing as well umpiring specific skills sessions.
From there, umpires will be considered for promotion to the AFL list dependent on availability. The extensive talent identification process aims to ensure that all umpires that are selected to umpire in the AFL are ready for the rigors and scrutiny of umpiring in the national competition.
The short listed umpires are:
Matt Adams (Western Australia)
Tristan Burgess (Victoria)
Daniel Butcher (Victoria)
Craig Fleer (South Australia)
Leigh Haussen (South Australia)
Toby Medlin (South Australia)
Shane Stewart (Victoria)
