AFLQUA Executive Committee 2025
President - Sam Somerville
Sam started umpiring Brisbane Juniors in 2009 before progressing to the SEQ Seniors group and then High Performance. He umpired the 2018, 2021, and 2024 QAFL Senior Grand Finals and spent three years on the VFL list from 2021 to 2023.
Sam joined the AFLQUA Executive in 2022, stepping into the Secretary position before serving as Treasurer in 2023. In 2024, he took on the role of President and led a successful first year. Sam continues in the role for 2025.
Sam joined the AFLQUA Executive in 2022, stepping into the Secretary position before serving as Treasurer in 2023. In 2024, he took on the role of President and led a successful first year. Sam continues in the role for 2025.
Vice President - Janie McCullagh
Janie has been a member of AFLQUA since 2013, serving in various leadership roles over the years. In 2015, she became a General Member before stepping into the role of President in 2016, where she served for eight years. In 2023, Janie transitioned into the role of Vice President and continues in this position in 2025.
Her umpiring journey began in Katherine, NT, in 2005, continuing in Darwin before moving to Queensland in 2012. Over the years, Janie has officiated three Division 2 Men’s Grand Finals, a QFA Colts Grand Final, and three Division 1 Women’s Grand Finals. A career highlight was being appointed by AFLQ to umpire the Women’s National Competition Grand Final in Cairns in 2013.
Janie remains a dedicated advocate for umpires in South East Queensland, ensuring they receive the support and care they need both on and off the field. To her, the umpiring community is like a family, and she embraces the challenges that come with being part of the Executive.
Her umpiring journey began in Katherine, NT, in 2005, continuing in Darwin before moving to Queensland in 2012. Over the years, Janie has officiated three Division 2 Men’s Grand Finals, a QFA Colts Grand Final, and three Division 1 Women’s Grand Finals. A career highlight was being appointed by AFLQ to umpire the Women’s National Competition Grand Final in Cairns in 2013.
Janie remains a dedicated advocate for umpires in South East Queensland, ensuring they receive the support and care they need both on and off the field. To her, the umpiring community is like a family, and she embraces the challenges that come with being part of the Executive.
Vice President - Tristan Symes
Tristan has been a member of the Association since he began umpiring in 1998, stepping into the role of Vice President in 2021 to further support the Association that has supported him. He continues in this role in 2025, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the Executive.
Starting out in the Elite U18 competition, Tristan debuted in State League Seniors in 2001, umpiring the State League Grand Final in 2006 before being promoted to the AFL list in 2007. Over 13 seasons as an AFL-listed Goal Umpire, he officiated 163 games, including Gold Coast’s inaugural AFL match in 2010 and an international fixture in China in 2018. A memorable moment came in 2015 when, during a Gold Coast vs. GWS match at Metricon Stadium, Tristan was cleaned up by Steven May—only to have his hat put back on his head, backwards, by Jeremy Cameron.
Tristan has also been involved in umpiring development beyond Queensland. In 2004, he was part of the Benson Trust trip to South Australia and Victoria, officiating in competitions across both states. His dedication has been recognised with several AFLQUA awards, including Most Improved Goal Umpire (2003) and Most Dedicated Umpire (2010).
While family remains his priority, Tristan continues to support umpiring and umpires as part of the Zillmere group while actively officiating in QAFL football.
Starting out in the Elite U18 competition, Tristan debuted in State League Seniors in 2001, umpiring the State League Grand Final in 2006 before being promoted to the AFL list in 2007. Over 13 seasons as an AFL-listed Goal Umpire, he officiated 163 games, including Gold Coast’s inaugural AFL match in 2010 and an international fixture in China in 2018. A memorable moment came in 2015 when, during a Gold Coast vs. GWS match at Metricon Stadium, Tristan was cleaned up by Steven May—only to have his hat put back on his head, backwards, by Jeremy Cameron.
Tristan has also been involved in umpiring development beyond Queensland. In 2004, he was part of the Benson Trust trip to South Australia and Victoria, officiating in competitions across both states. His dedication has been recognised with several AFLQUA awards, including Most Improved Goal Umpire (2003) and Most Dedicated Umpire (2010).
While family remains his priority, Tristan continues to support umpiring and umpires as part of the Zillmere group while actively officiating in QAFL football.
Treasurer - Jackson Whittle
Jackson began umpiring juniors in 2016 before progressing to the High-Performance group. He became a member of the association in 2019 and joined the executive in 2025 as Treasurer.
Secretary - Justin Lillecrapp
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Social Media and Digital Lead - Mitchell Blashak
Mitchell’s umpiring journey began in 2011 at Collingwood Park Power, where he first picked up the whistle in exchange for a hot pie and a Coke. He soon joined Brisbane Juniors, progressing through the ranks and becoming part of the Umpire Academy from 2014 to 2018.
In 2018, Mitchell made his QAFL Seniors debut, followed by an appearance in the 2019 NQ v SQ representative match in Townsville. He also had the unique experience of umpiring a game in the NTFL in 2020.
Beyond umpiring, Mitchell is a dedicated school teacher and a passionate photographer. In November 2023, he joined the AFLQUA Executive as the Social Media and Digital Lead and continues in the role in 2025. He enjoys sharing the achievements of the Association and celebrating the success of umpires across Queensland.
In 2018, Mitchell made his QAFL Seniors debut, followed by an appearance in the 2019 NQ v SQ representative match in Townsville. He also had the unique experience of umpiring a game in the NTFL in 2020.
Beyond umpiring, Mitchell is a dedicated school teacher and a passionate photographer. In November 2023, he joined the AFLQUA Executive as the Social Media and Digital Lead and continues in the role in 2025. He enjoys sharing the achievements of the Association and celebrating the success of umpires across Queensland.
Executive Member - Matt Bellina
Matt joined the AFLQUA when he made the step up from juniors to senior community football in 2013. His passion for supporting umpires and giving back to the Association led him to join the Executive Committee in 2023.
In 2024, Matt took on the role of Treasurer, where he played a key role in managing the Association’s financial responsibilities. In 2025, he continues his involvement as a General Executive Member, bringing his experience and leadership to support umpires across all levels.
With multiple grand finals and representative games under his belt, Matt remains committed to ensuring umpires feel supported both on and off the field.
In 2024, Matt took on the role of Treasurer, where he played a key role in managing the Association’s financial responsibilities. In 2025, he continues his involvement as a General Executive Member, bringing his experience and leadership to support umpires across all levels.
With multiple grand finals and representative games under his belt, Matt remains committed to ensuring umpires feel supported both on and off the field.
Executive Member - Hayden Clark
Hayden’s umpiring journey began in SEQ Juniors back in 2007, working his way through the ranks before stepping away to join the Navy in 2010. After returning to Brisbane in 2022, Hayden reignited his passion for umpiring and has since become a familiar face at Moorooka—when he’s not off sailing the seven seas!
In 2025, Hayden joined the AFLQUA Executive Committee, eager to better understand the group and contribute to the future of umpiring in Queensland. His experience, leadership, and commitment to the umpiring community make him a valuable addition to the team.
In 2025, Hayden joined the AFLQUA Executive Committee, eager to better understand the group and contribute to the future of umpiring in Queensland. His experience, leadership, and commitment to the umpiring community make him a valuable addition to the team.
Executive Member - Jason Mitchell
Jason’s umpiring career began in 2000, officiating until 2005 before returning to the field in 2018. Since rejoining, he has been an active and dedicated member of the umpiring community.
Now in his second year on the AFLQUA General Committee, Jason’s commitment to training and development has been recognised multiple times. In 2019, he was awarded the Grant Kent Award and the Most Committed to Training NEAFL/QAFL Award. His ongoing contributions to the Association were further acknowledged in 2024 when he received the J.A. Preston Memorial Best Association Member Award.
Jason remains a passionate supporter of umpiring in Queensland, bringing experience, leadership, and dedication to the AFLQUA Executive.
Executive Member - Tyler Higson
- Began umpiring on the sunshine coast
- NEAFL, QAFL, umpire
- NTFL Umpire
- NEAFL match day observer
- 2024 QAFLW Grand Final umpire
- Former secretary of the AFLQUA
- Passion and love of travelling the world
- Represented QLD in the Queensland v Tasmania state league talent match
- leader of the umpiring group
- NEAFL, QAFL, umpire
- NTFL Umpire
- NEAFL match day observer
- 2024 QAFLW Grand Final umpire
- Former secretary of the AFLQUA
- Passion and love of travelling the world
- Represented QLD in the Queensland v Tasmania state league talent match
- leader of the umpiring group
Executive Member - Lachlan Martyr
Lachlan began his umpiring journey with Gold Coast Juniors in 2017, quickly progressing through the ranks to Community and Senior Football. His dedication and skill have earned him notable appointments, including the QAFL Colts Grand Final in 2022 and the QAFL Reserves Emergency role in both 2023 and 2024.
Beyond Queensland, Lachlan spent a season umpiring in the NTFL, where he officiated in both the U18s and Men’s Division 1 Grand Finals. A member of AFLQUA since 2020, he stepped up as a General Committee Member in 2023, serving as the Gold Coast representative.
Lachlan is a passionate and determined umpire, always looking to support and develop those around him. His commitment to improving umpiring standards makes him a valuable part of the AFLQUA team.
Beyond Queensland, Lachlan spent a season umpiring in the NTFL, where he officiated in both the U18s and Men’s Division 1 Grand Finals. A member of AFLQUA since 2020, he stepped up as a General Committee Member in 2023, serving as the Gold Coast representative.
Lachlan is a passionate and determined umpire, always looking to support and develop those around him. His commitment to improving umpiring standards makes him a valuable part of the AFLQUA team.
