Gold Coast SUNS players Mac Andrew, Connor Budarick, Joel Jeffrey, Alex Davies, Sam Clohesy, Malcolm Rosas Jnr, Lloyd Johnston and Caleb Graham have swapped their boots for whistles joining AFL Queensland umpire training on the Gold Coast.
The SUNS players immersed themselves in the fundamentals of umpiring, from fitness standards to real-time decision making and match simulation, held at the Labrador Australian Football Club.
With participation in Australian football continuing to grow across Queensland, in particular on the Gold Coast, AFL Queensland is on the hunt to recruit and retain more umpires at all levels of the game, from the grassroots up.
“Umpires are crucial to the fabric of Australian rules football. Every game, at every level, from under 8s through to our senior leagues, depends on having people willing to take on the role. Without umpires, there’s no game. It’s that simple,” said Head of AFL Queensland, Trisha Squires.
AFL Queensland hopes that by showcasing the player experience and promoting the value and skill involved in umpiring, more people, particularly young athletes, former players, and sports enthusiasts, will consider picking up the whistle.
In 2025, AFL Queensland is working with local footy clubs to roll out a series of recruitment drives, umpire education workshops, and mentoring opportunities designed to support new umpires and create clearer development pathways.
“Whether it’s a 12-year-old learning the ropes at junior footy, or a seasoned community umpire wanting to take the next step, we want to make umpiring as rewarding, respected and supported as any other role in the game,” said Ms Squires.
“One of the biggest myths we want to break is that you have to choose between playing and umpiring — you don’t. Thousands of youth and senior players already do both, and it’s helping them become smarter, more well-rounded footballers.
“Umpiring isn’t just a way to stay involved — it’s a paid role, it’s flexible, and it works around your lifestyle. Whether it’s Friday nights, Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons, there’s a place for you in the game.”
SUNS midfielder, Connor Budarick, who was back at home at Labrador Australian Football Club, where he perfected his footy playing for the Tigers as a junior, was full of praise for the team in green and urged those thinking about giving it a go.
“Playing at the AFL level, you need to have a really strong understanding of how the game is umpired in order to perform at your best. Doing some umpiring on the side, especially as a junior or local footy player, sharpens your footy IQ and your respect for the game,” he said.
“It’s not about giving up weekends, you can umpire when it suits you. You get paid, you keep fit, and you see the game from a totally different perspective.
“And you don’t have to be a field umpire to get involved, you can start off by trying your hand at boundary umpiring or even in goals.”
To learn more about umpiring opportunities and how to get involved, visit: play.afl/umpire
