Queensland umpires named for 2019 AFLW season

By Ant Wingard

Some of Queensland’s top umpires have been named in the 2019 AFL Women’s officiating panel for the third instalment of the competition early next season.

The Queensland panel was confirmed on Tuesday and includes experienced field pair Andrew Adair and James Strybos.

The duo have together run more than 50 matches at NEAFL level and have once again will continue their place on the AFL Supplementary Field Umpire List and AFL Umpiring Academy for season 2019.

Fresh off his maiden Golden Whistle crown at the 2018 AFL Queensland Umpires Grand Final Awards, Cameron Manthey was the third umpire named within the squad.

The field trio will be joined by Alex Donoghue, Ty Duncan, Anthony Laughton and Joseph Spiteri along the boundary while Matthew Bridges, Jayne McManus and Tom Sullivan will wave the flags in goals.

In 2019, AFLW will see the introduction of two news clubs, Geelong and North Melbourne as the competition continues to grow in stature.

As per previous seasons, the AFLW will continue to provide additional opportunities for umpires for non-traditional backgrounds to accelerate their development.

In total, 65 umpires across the country will form the primary umpiring list for the competition.

In addition, the competition has also been elevated on the National Umpiring Talent Pathway.

All umpires who officiate across the AFLW season will be contracted exclusively for the duration of the competition.

AFL Queensland State Umpiring Manager James Waldorff congratulated the Queensland contingent who were appointed to the AFLW group.

“The AFW competition represents the first opportunity of the season for our umpiring group to perform on a big stage and I’m confident the 2019 group grasp this opportunity wholeheartedly.”

“Congratulations to all umpires on their selection to this prestigious national competition.”

The 2019 AFLW season fixture is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

2018 AFL Women’s Queensland Umpiring Panel