At just 15 years of age, field umpire Ryan O’Grady, will officiate his first NFNL senior match this Saturday.
O’Grady commenced his umpiring journey in the juniors last season and has quickly progressed through the ranks to senior football this season.
He received the NFNL Most Promising Junior Umpire Award in 2021 and has this year been added to the AFL Victoria Umpire Talent Academy.
NFNL Head of Umpiring, Cameron Nash says O’Grady deserves this opportunity so early in his career.
“We have been monitoring Ryan’s progress over the past 18 months and feel he is ready to step up to senior football,” he said.
“Ryan has all the attributes to become a very good senior umpire. He has good knowledge of the laws, is fit, is very coachable and has a great attitude.
“I’m confident this weekend will be the start of a very long career in senior football and higher levels.”
Upon hearing about his promotion, O’Grady said he was excited about the weekend ahead.
“Umpiring my first senior match this weekend is extremely exciting. My journey from my first game all the way up to this senior game has been a great opportunity and an incredible experience,” he said.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to umpire a senior game but to have received an opportunity this early in my career is amazing.
“I feel well prepared for the game because of the support and training I have received from the NFNL and the senior umpires who have kindly shared their experience and knowledge with me.”
O’Grady has learned a lot from his brief umpiring experience and hopes that Saturday’s milestone can form as a building block to umpire at higher levels.
“Umpiring has allowed me to see another side of Aussie Rules and has helped me to grow as a person. I have always been one to love footy from an early age both as a participant and as a spectator, however joining the umpiring group has completely changed my perspective of the sport,” he said.
“I’ve been extremely dedicated in reaching my goal of umpiring a senior game and look forward to any further opportunities that are offered.
“I feel fortunate to have been selected in the 2022 V/Line Community Umpire Talent Academy and it would be a dream to umpire a VFL or even an AFL game in the future.”
The NFNL wishes Ryan all the very best for the weekend and his future aspirations.
The NFNL is still recruiting umpires for this season. Please contact NFNL Head of Umpiring Cameron Nash for more information, cnash@nfnl.org.au
