The outstanding work of two young umpires will be recognised this weekend as 19-year-old Grace Antoniou will umpire her first senior men’s match and 15-year-old Ryan O’Grady will take charge in his first senior men’s Division 1 match.
Antoniou has crossed over to senior football this year after umpiring in the junior’s last season. A former footballer herself, she has developed her umpiring this year through Under 19’s and reserves matches and is now set for her first taste of senior action when she umpires the top four Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 match between Old Eltham Collegians and South Morang at Eltham College.
The 19-year-old praised the work of the NFNL umpiring program for her quick development.
“The presence of NFNL representatives attending game day and having them provide feedback and support throughout during quarter breaks has been a big help towards my journey,” she said.
“Attending training that is conducted by the senior field umpires has also been beneficial as I feel confident to ask questions and know I am supported because of it.”
O’Grady commenced the 2022 season officiating Under 19’s matches and has quickly progressed through reserves games and then into umpiring senior matches which is the stage he has been at during the last two months.
He will be one of the two field umpires to officiate the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 clash between Montmorency and Macleod at Montmorency Park North Oval.
O’Grady shared Antoniou’s sentiments on the positive impact the umpiring program has had on his skills and improvement.
“The NFNL umpiring program has guided and trained me this year with coaching sessions from general skill drills to in-depth analysis of footage, all helping my development,” he said.
“One of the main things that I believe has helped the most is the umpires and coaches at different levels watching my games and giving me feedback on the things I need to work on. Even simply umpiring with people who have a wealth of experience has helped me grow in different areas of umpiring.”
NFNL Head of Umpiring Cameron Nash says both umpires thoroughly deserve their promotions this weekend.
“Grace and Ryan have been developing their umpiring through the grades this year and are ready to step up again this weekend,” he said.
“They have both shown they are more than capable of handling the challenges we have given them this year and they have promising careers ahead of them. Both come from outstanding families who have also been a great support to them.”
The NFNL wishes Grace and Ryan the best of luck during tomorrow’s matches.
