THE EDFL has acquired former AFL umpire, Shane Stewart, to its growing list of umpires.
Stewart brings a wealth of experience to the EDFL, having umpired 109 AFL games.
His first coach was the EDFL’s Director of Umpiring, Rowan Sawers, and admitted that this played a big part in joining EDFL Umpiring.
“He’s (Sawers) is a ripping fella and an unbelievable coach,” Stewart said.
“He’s in charge of one of the best competitions in local football.”
Umpiring one of the best local football competitions comes with an array of benefits.
Stewart is hoping to promote the benefits of umpiring during his time with the EDFL.
“The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy (umpiring),” he said.
“We’re going to make mistakes, we’re not going to be perfect, you know, we’re humans, not robots.”
Stewart believes that umpires have the best seat in the house and on top of that, they get to run around with mates, and keep fit while doing so.
The former AFL umpire hopes to share his expertise with the young EDFL umpires and provide a new dynamic of umpiring that the league hasn’t seen before.
“I’d love to do a bit of on-field coaching,” Stewart said.
“It’ll be good to challenge young umpires to get better, fitter and learn the game of football.”
Stewart is looking forward to umpiring with the EDFL umpires, and believes he can play a mentoring role.
The former AFL umpire believes that this will add an encouraging level of competition, where young umpires can aspire to bounce the ball on the big stage.
If umpiring sounds appealing to you, click HERE to register and become an EDFL umpire in 2018!
