For the first time, Cooper and Samson will officiate alongside their father John Bament when they take charge of the Men’s Premier League clash between the Nightcliff Tigers and Darwin Buffaloes on Sunday, January 4, at TIO Stadium (3:30pm).
While family involvement in umpiring has long been part of the TIO NTFL landscape, the Baments make rare recent history as the on-field umpire panel at Premier League level.
The appointment brings together all three members of the Bament family at Premier League level following years of involvement across NT and interstate competitions.
Samson Bament began his umpiring journey in 2017 and has since built an extensive officiating résumé, with 243 matches across multiple competitions. His pathway has included appointments beyond the Northern Territory, including a permanent role in the 2025 QAFLW and QAFL Reserves competitions across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Within the NTFL, Samson has officiated on some of the league’s biggest stages, including the 2022/23 TIO NTFL Women’s Premier League Grand Final.
Younger brother Cooper joined the umpiring ranks in 2020 and has quickly established himself, officiating 271 matches to date - the highest of the three. His appointments include the 2023/24 TIO NTFL Women’s Premier League Grand Final, along with experience across Darwin, Central Australia, Big Rivers, AFL Cairns, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and AFL Victoria.
John Bament, a well-known and respected official in the NTFL, commenced umpiring in 2020 and rapidly progressed through the system. Since then, he has officiated 248 matches and earned selection for the 2024/25 TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League Grand Final. His contribution was recognised with the 2024/25 TIO NTFL Umpire Ambassador of the Year award.
John spoke on the opportunity to umpire alongside Cooper and Samson.
“Like any parent, I really treasure the time spent with my kids (especially during their teenage years) and I’m incredibly proud of seeing them develop their umpiring skills at both local and national levels,” he said.
I feel very lucky to have the health and fitness to umpire alongside them, and sharing the field together in Sunday’s MPL game will be a truly special moment for our family and something I will cherish long after the final siren.”
“It’s fantastic to see John, Cooper and Samson appointed together at Premier League level,” said Sam Gibson, Head of AFL Northern Territory.
“It’s a rare milestone for a family to share the field in this way, and one they should be proud of.”