Reflections from our Grand Final umpires

Canberra-born Michael Barlow (third from the left) will boundary umpire his second AFL Grand Final this weekend, following his 2021 appearance in Perth. Read about his umpiring journey here.

.

Two umpires from Sydney/Canberra will officiate the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final. Both have enjoyed different paths to the ultimate AFL umpiring goal.

On the eve of that one day in September, they were kind enough to spend a few moments reflecting on their feelings ahead of the Grand Final, what it has taken to get there, and why they love umpiring so much.

.

Reflections from Michael Barlow ahead of his second Grand Final

When you first started umpiring in Canberra, did you ever think that umpiring in an AFL Grand Final was achievable?

I started umpiring with the goal of taking it as far as I could. I didn’t really know what this was at the time except that a goal was to reach the AFL level. When I was fortunate enough to reach this milestone, my attention turned to how I could be as successful as possible at the highest level.

.

How are you feeling about umpiring this weekend’s Grand Final?

I’m feeling a mixture of emotions. I am proud, honoured and humbled to be selected. I’m excited for the game and ready to put my best put forward. The achievement means a lot to my family and friends who are also very supportive of me.

.

Will you treat it like any other game? Or is there a different build up?

There are parts that will be different during the week as the build up to the game continues including a training session at the MCG and the Grand Final parade on Friday, so while that is different, the things that have got me to this position won’t change. I will still stick to the same routines in the days leading up to and on game day. Once the game starts, it is just another game of footy, albeit with a bit more riding on it than most.

.

How nervous do you get before a game?

I try to remain as calm as possible and trust that I have prepared to the best possible standard within myself. This gives me confidence that I can execute what the game asks of me.

.

Do you have any advice for aspiring umpires?

Listen to your coaches, they are there to help. You can so much out of umpiring, so if it is something you’re enjoying then you should dedicate yourself to squeezing as much out of it as you possibly can. 

.

Now’s your chance to sell umpiring: why should I sign up next season?

Umpiring was fantastic for me. I started by making some pocket money but I learnt that that’s just one benefit. I have made lifelong friends, learnt skills, developed as a person and had so many fun and unique experiences along the way as an umpire. 

.

.

Reflections from Angus McKenzie-Wills ahead of his debut Grand Final

When you first started umpiring in Sydney, did you ever think that umpiring in an AFL Grand Final was achievable?

Well I started out as a junior field umpire in 2006 while I was still playing footy too so if I’d told my 13-year-old self that I’d be goal umpiring an AFL Grand Final, I would’ve probably laughed.

.

How are you feeling about umpiring this weekend’s Grand Final?

It’s certainly very exciting. I’m still on cloud nine at the moment so I’m not sure it’s sunk in yet but now I’m in Melbourne, it is starting to feel more real. I’ve been overwhelmed by all the messages I’ve received from people. My phone hasn’t stopped! So feeling pretty good at the moment and looking forward to soaking up the build up.

.

Will you treat it like any other game? Or is there a different build up?

I think it’s hard to treat it like any other game when its not. The build up of the week is unique with press conferences, functions and the parade. I’ve been trying to keep to my routines that I would have during the week for other games to give the week some normalcy and I’m still working my day job today, which is a nice distraction.

.

How nervous do you get before a game?

I’m actually pretty relaxed pre-game. I did have a few butterflies before last week’s prelim (Collingwood vs GIANTS) but they quickly settled once I go into the rhythm of the match.

.

Do you have any advice for aspiring umpires?

My advice would be to stick at it. Seek out feedback, strive to get better and be your own harshest critic. There’s a pathway to the AFL there if you’re dedicated enough and have the right attitude. If a kid from Manly can go from umpiring at Weldon Oval to umpiring on the ‘G on the last Saturday of September, hopefully that gives people hope that they too can make it. The other thing I’d say is that you don’t have to just be a field umpire. I started out as a junior field umpire but fell in love with goal umpiring. Keep an open mind but importantly, find the discipline you enjoy the most.

.

Now’s your chance to sell umpiring: why should I sign up next season?

Umpiring was fantastic for me. I started by making some pocket money but I learnt that that’s just one benefit. I have made lifelong friends, learnt skills, developed as a person and had so many fun and unique experiences along the way as an umpire. 

.