A KERANG teenager’s goal of officiating in the Australian Football League is one step closer to being achieved.
AFL Victoria confirmed last week that Emiel Morvell is part of its Victorian Football League Field Umpires Rookie Squad for 2018.
As part of the program, the Kerang-based Bendigo Umpires Association member will train every fortnight at the VFL umpiring group’s headquarters at Victoria Park, Abbotsford, learning from the organisation’s coaches and some of the State’s best umpires.
“I will be aiming to improve my fitness abilities and learn as much as I can,” he said.
“Hopefully taking part will lead to me umpiring Bendigo Football Netball League senior games, as well as greater opportunities.”
The BUA nominated the Kerang Technical High School year 12 student as the group believes the 17-year-old is two years away from officiating AFL Victoria matches, which include TAC Cup and VFL games.
“Although I knew the nomination was coming, it is a thrill that I have been noticed for my abilities,” Morvell said.
“Now I have to live up to the expectations of those who nominated me.
“Ultimately, I would like to end up on the MCG on AFL grand final day holding the ball up in the air to start the match.”
Morvell’s umpiring career has grown rapidly since beginning as a Northern District Football Umpires Association boundary umpire in 2013.
A decision to attempt field umpiring more than two years ago saw Morvell officiate Golden Rivers Football League under 17.5 matches in the centre during the latter part of the 2015 season, with the work increasing his fitness – ultimately resulting in running the boundary in that season’s senior grand final.
Morvell officiated his first senior match as a field umpire in 2016, and continued his development when joining the BUA last year.
Working under the guidance of the organisation’s director of umpiring, Dean Goodridge and fellow field umpire John Howarth, Morvell achieved a goal of officiating last season’s Bendigo Football Netball League under 18s grand final.
“Umpiring at Bendigo last year pushed me so far out of my comfort zone,” he said.
“I accomplished so much in one year compared to my last three to four seasons involved with the Golden Rivers Football League.”
Confirmation of his position on the squad is one of three accolades Morvell has already received leading into the 2018 season.
Morvell is a member of the TAC Cup Regional Talent Squad, joining fellow Kerang-based BUA members Scott Bourne (goal) and Gemma Cook (boundary) as officials eligible to officiate TAC Cup girls and boys games.
The trio are also part of the AFL Victoria Umpires Academy, which will lead to officiating in next month’s AFL Victoria Community Championships.
