It’s a big weekend for Cameron Valenti, Kyle Hoysted, and Matthew Bridges as they take to the field at Tidbold Park as the NEAFL’s newest umpires.
Valenti will officiate the field, Hoysted will cover the boundary, and Bridges will be keeping an eye on the goal posts.
Queensland State Umpire Manager, Gary Fila, said he is thrilled with the fast progress the boys have made.
“Valenti had a huge rise in 2015… Making his senior QAFL debut in round 1,” Fila said.
It has been a whirlwind time for the boys, Valenti embarking on his second year of Academy training, and Hoysted and Bridges taking a leap into their first.
Valenti and Bridges started out in the Brisbane Juniors in 2014 while Hoysted made the transition from community football to NEAFL over the summer.
While things may have moved at lightning pace for Hoysted, Fila said the position is well deserved.
“He has performed extremely well in QAFL seniors and thoroughly deserved his promotion and opportunity at NEAFL football,” Fila said.
The young umpire should have no trouble keeping up with the fast pace of the boundary, after competing in the state cross-country championships last weekend.
These boys are just three of the young, up and coming umpires who have come through the Queensland AFL pathway.
To find out how to get involved in umpiring, click HERE.
By Sarah Lingard
