Former NFNL umpire Lisa Compton-Robins has continued her brilliant progression as an umpire, after making her debut in the opening round of the AFLW season last week.
Compton-Robins was put on the AFLW umpiring list ahead of the upcoming campaign, making her debut in Sunday’s Geelong vs Richmond clash at GHMBA Stadium.
2021 was an outstanding year for Compton-Robins. She officiated her first NFNL Division 1 senior men’s game, eventually umpiring games in the competition for the rest of the season on her way to being crowned the league’s Best Junior Umpire.
She also received the Development Umpire Coach Award at the AFL Victoria Community Football Awards, following her appointment as the NFNL’s Female Umpire Welfare Officer in the same season.
Earlier this year, Compton-Robins was promoted to the 2022 VFL State League Development Squad, umpiring in this season’s NAB League and VFLW competitions.
Compton-Robbins praised the work that had been put in place in her early umpiring days and credits the NFNL umpiring program for her recent promotion.
“I have always had an enormous amount of support from my coaches. Especially over the last 2-3 years where they brought in the NFNL Development Umpiring Program,” she said.
“This weekly coaching helped me further my understanding of the game, work on positioning and begin really taking my umpiring seriously and to the next level. I am so grateful for it as it really prepared me for VFL and then AFLW.”
Compton-Robins strongly encouraged those who may be interested in umpiring next year to take the leap.
“Dive straight in, you will be supported and pushed the entire way. You will grow so much as an individual and be able to take away so many skills from umpiring and use it in your everyday life, like managing situations and building confidence,” he said.
“So whether it be for a bit of extra money or to climb the ladder and make AFL/AFLW, I couldn’t recommend it enough and am forever grateful for the amazing opportunities I have been able to experience.”
NFNL Head of Umpiring Cameron Nash was pleased that her tireless work has been rewarded this year.
“Lisa had a terrific season with us last year predominately umpiring Division One seniors. Her development over the past couple of years is a credit to her determination and commitment so it’s no surprise seeing her umpiring AFLW,” he said.
