Saunders makes umpiring history

AFL NSW/ACT would like to congratulate umpire Michael Saunders on his 2013 Toyota AFL Grand Final umpiring appointment as boundary umpire.

Saunders, in just his fifith year at the elite level, has made history as the first NSW-based boundary umpire to officiate in an AFL Grand Final and the second NSW/ACT umpire in VFL/AFL history, after goal umpire Michael Heinrichs in 1999.

The Melbourne-born 27-year-old began his umpiring career for the Victorian Amateur Football Association at just 18; before moving to Sydney and officiating in the Sydney AFL and NEAFL.

Saunders, who resides in Randwick, has been umpiring in the AFL since 2009 and has officiated 101 games and three finals series; including the 2010, 2012 and 2013 NAB Cup Grand Finals; and Preliminary Finals in 2011, 2012 and 2013. He also officiated the London exhibition game at The Oval late last year.

AFL National Umpiring Director Jeff Gieschen said he congratulated the umpiring group on their efforts so far in the finals and had great confidence they would perform strongly in Saturday’s showcase match.

Michael Saunders
AFL Debut: 2009
101 AFL Games, Eight Finals
First AFL Grand Final