AFLQUA Executive Committee 2026
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, 2024 and 2025 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 - Alistair Meldrum
Alistair “Molly” Meldrum, a long-standing member of the Association and steps into the role of Vice President in 2026, taking over from long-term friend and umpiring colleague Tristan Symes.
Alistair commenced his umpiring career with AFL Darling Downs in 2007 before relocating to Brisbane in 2011. Between 2012 and 2015, he officiated four consecutive State League Grand Finals, reflecting his rapid progression and sustained consistency within the umpiring ranks. In 2016, Alistair was promoted to the AFL Umpires List, where he officiated 75 matches across a six-year career at the elite level. Following his retirement from the national list due to work commitments, he continued umpiring with AFL Capricornia, culminating in a Senior Grand Final appointment in 2023. He subsequently returned to Brisbane, resuming duties in the QAFL and officiating consecutive Grand Finals in 2024 and 2025.
Beyond on-field officiating, Alistair served as an AFL Umpires’ Association State Representative from 2020 to 2021. A committed and long-time supporter of the Association, he looks forward to contributing to the Executive and supporting members in his role as Vice President in 2026.
Alistair commenced his umpiring career with AFL Darling Downs in 2007 before relocating to Brisbane in 2011. Between 2012 and 2015, he officiated four consecutive State League Grand Finals, reflecting his rapid progression and sustained consistency within the umpiring ranks. In 2016, Alistair was promoted to the AFL Umpires List, where he officiated 75 matches across a six-year career at the elite level. Following his retirement from the national list due to work commitments, he continued umpiring with AFL Capricornia, culminating in a Senior Grand Final appointment in 2023. He subsequently returned to Brisbane, resuming duties in the QAFL and officiating consecutive Grand Finals in 2024 and 2025.
Beyond on-field officiating, Alistair served as an AFL Umpires’ Association State Representative from 2020 to 2021. A committed and long-time supporter of the Association, he looks forward to contributing to the Executive and supporting members in his role as Vice President in 2026.
Treasurer - Jackson Whittle
Jackson Whittle began umpiring juniors in 2016 before progressing through the High Performance group. He became a member of the association in 2019 and joined the AFLQUA Executive in 2025 as Treasurer.
In 2025, Jackson officiated in the QAFLW Grand Final and was also recognised with the President’s Award, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the association. Alongside his on-field achievements, Jackson continues to play an active role in supporting umpire development and strengthening the AFLQUA community through his executive leadership.
In 2025, Jackson officiated in the QAFLW Grand Final and was also recognised with the President’s Award, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the association. Alongside his on-field achievements, Jackson continues to play an active role in supporting umpire development and strengthening the AFLQUA community through his executive leadership.
Secretary - Jess Smith
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 2026. 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 2026. 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 - 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 - Brock Herrmann
Brock Herrmann began his umpiring journey with Brisbane Juniors in 2016 through Auskick and Footy 4 Fun programs before relocating to the Sunshine Coast in 2020 to continue umpiring junior football.
He was selected into the Umpiring Academy in 2021 and has since progressed to debut in QAFL Seniors in 2024. Brock has been involved in the Colts and Reserves Grand Finals in 2024 and 2025 as an emergency umpire and is now in his second year with the association, representing the Sunshine Coast as a General Member in 2025. Alongside his on-field commitments, Brock has been the Sunshine Coast Juniors coach for the past three years, contributing strongly to the development of emerging umpires across the region.
He was selected into the Umpiring Academy in 2021 and has since progressed to debut in QAFL Seniors in 2024. Brock has been involved in the Colts and Reserves Grand Finals in 2024 and 2025 as an emergency umpire and is now in his second year with the association, representing the Sunshine Coast as a General Member in 2025. Alongside his on-field commitments, Brock has been the Sunshine Coast Juniors coach for the past three years, contributing strongly to the development of emerging umpires across the region.
