The NFNL congratulates Luke Gonis, Jackson Mansell and Ned Welsh after gaining promotions to officiate at Victorian state league level in 2023.
All three umpires were members of the V/Line Community Umpire Talent Academy in 2022 and will be set to officiate VFL, VFLW, NAB League Boys and NAB League Girls matches this year.
It caps off a brilliant 12 months for boundary umpire Luke Gonis who won the Silver Whistle award at the Northern Knights Umpiring Academy before claiming the Victorian Golden Whistle for the best umpire in the state.
Gonis was also the boundary umpire in the senior men’s Division 1 Grand Final alongside field umpire Ned Welsh while Jackson Mansell was one of the two goal umpires who officiated the senior men’s Division 2 Grand Final.
NFNL Head of Umpiring Martin Ellis praised the trio’s efforts and is looking forward to watching them take the next steps in their umpiring journey.
“Credit to these young men who committed themselves to the community and umpiring in the NFNL with a focus and determination that not only saw them gain a promotion to state league umpiring, but also achieve senior men’s Grand Final selections in their respective disciplines,” he said.
“It’s an outstanding achievement and I wish them every success.”
As part of the Auskick Program, the AFL is creating the opportunity for NFNL umpires to officiate on the MCG or Marvel Stadium, irrespective of your age, gender or discipline. To make that dream a reality, click the link below to register for the 2023 season.
New umpires are welcome. For further information contact NFNL Head of Umpiring Martin Ellis at mellis@nfnl.org.au
