Sydney umpire wins Grand Final berth

By Ryan Cropp

Saunders, from Randwick in Sydney’s east, will add yet another match to his already impressive collection of big games when he takes to the field at Etihad Stadium.

The 27-year-old has experience in the NAB Cup decider, umpiring the Western Bulldogs 2010 triumph in front of over 40,000 screaming fans.

He also officiated the London exhibition game at The Oval late last year, in addition to AFL Preliminary Finals in 2011 and 2012.

Since making his debut at the top level in 2009, the Randwick-based project manager has already run the line on 80 AFL matches, including six finals.

NSW AFL Umpire Manager Steve Keating is glowing in his praise of the man who only started umpiring as a way keep fit between athletics seasons.

“On the field all the guys look up to him. He’s probably our best leader in NSW/ACT,” said Keating.

“I think Michael has been recognized for his strong pre-season. We’re all excited – it gives us all a boost up here.

“I guess it’s an endorsement of the stuff we’ve been doing. He’s fitter this year and he’s running better times.”

Keating, who oversees all AFL-listed umpires in NSW/ACT, explained that a structured pre-season program for the entire group contributed to Saunders’ selection.

The nine AFL-listed umpires and several of their NEAFL counterparts train regularly together in Centennial Park.

The results of the program were immediately apparent when Saunders smashed his PB by 30 seconds in the official AFL umpires pre-season time trial.

“The fact that we’ve got them training in November, where they’re a bit more organised and more structured, as opposed to doing their own thing and going for the odd run here and there and basically commencing in January has helped immensely,” Keating said.

“They’ve worked much more as a team this year, and the group was much bigger.”

This year, NSW/ACT have two new Canberra-based umpires on the AFL list – boundary umpire Scott Gordon and goal umpire Dale Puren.

“It’s really exciting for us. Making an AFL-list and doing an AFL game is the pinnacle for umpires, nationally,” Keating said.

Click here for more information about how you can become an umpire!