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    EXPERIENCE: AFL Wimmera Mallee boundary umpires, back row, from left, Tadhg McGrath, Oscar Hahn and Sam Hahn, middle, Bodey Wilde, Jahryn McGrath and Harry Hicks, front, Phoenix Hopper, Luke Miller and Jack Hicks umpired Auskick games on the MCG at half time between a Melbourne and Collingwood match.

Junior football umpires take lead on MCG

22 June 2022

Nine AFL Wimmera Mallee up-and-coming football boundary umpires had the opportunity of a lifetime to umpire on the Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG.

The umpires donned their green shirts and field umpired Auskick games at the half time break between Melbourne and Collingwood in front of 76,000 people.

The group also had a front-row seat to the Big Freeze slide on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday. AFL Wimmera Mallee umpiring head coach Cameron Pickering said it was a good experience for the umpires, who are continuing to learn and develop their skills.

“It also showed them the dream, and where they could end up if they continue on an umpiring pathway,” he said.



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“As a special treat, Melbourne supporter Phoenix Hopper, and Jack Hicks, Collingwood, got to line up at the players race and high five the AFL players as they came back out onto the field. 

“It was also a bonding experience for some of our umpiring families to go down to Melbourne together and spend the day.

“It was a fantastic experience and hopefully not the last time they will grace the MCG field in either a playing or umpiring capacity.”

The entire June 22, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!