​The AFLQUA Golf Day was held at Meadowbrook Golf Club on June 18, with 36 eager golfers of varying skill levels taking to the fairways under bright blue skies. The event, a 9-hole, 2-ball ambrose competition allowed our Members & guests to pair in twos, with each taking their stroke from the same location, choosing the best shot & repeating until holed out.

​The true winner of the day was team sport & having fun, plus a couple of the lakes collecting balls for future pro shop sales.  After the drives, slices, chips & putts were complete, festivities continued while golfers enjoyed burgers with a beverage, exchanging stories and a few laughs.

As the event concluded, the AFLQUA Golf Day recognised the prize winners of the day across the 7 categories. Congratulations to our 2023 winners:


​Nett Winners (Chris Kamolins Trophy): Brett Matthews & Janie McCullough

​Nett Runners Up: Sam Whetton & Jacob Severs
Gross Winners: Alex Whetton & Jono Angus

​Longest Drive: Alex Whetton
Best Approach, Hole 1: Alex Whetton
Best Approach, Hole 8: Jason Mitchell
Nearest To Pin: Jason Mitchell

​Best Dressed Team: Tyler Higson & Mitchell ‘Shak’ Blashak

 ​Runner Up Best Dressed Team: Jeff Thomson & Russell Corrin
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​Looking for more photos? Check out our Google Drive here with the best action shots of the day! Please ensure that if you are posting phots to social media you are tagging "lgphotos"

The AFLQUA Golf Day owes its success not only to the passionate golfers but also to its generous sponsors. Westside HQ, Willow Hotel and the Meadowbrook Golf Club contributed prizes and support, without which this exceptional day would not have been possible. The AFLQUA expresses its heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable contributions.
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We’re already looking forward to 2024’s edition of Golf Day!

Keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram & Website for other exciting events just around the corner, including Trivia Night on 05 August at Westside HQ. Tickets on sale soon via aflqua.com – keep an eye on our social media feeds!

​​Last but certainly not least, Steph (Wife), has been a massive influence on Matt's umpiring over the years with her continuous support and comments of "if you want to get to the next level you have to go for a run" when it was 37 degrees in the middle of the off-season.

Congratulations again Matt

​The pursuit of improvement makes Shak a natural leader within any group setting, whether he be running on-field or assisting the team while injured. Sam Somerville, current VFL umpire and running mate in Shak’s debut, saw his leadership qualities shine from the very beginning, “He was quickly accepted into the group as a leader in the Academy. That [leadership] showed when he did the matchday observing in QAFL when he was injured.” 

Now in the VFL Development Squad himself, Shak credits his success to the coaches who have supported him along the way, singling out Aaron Hall for special praise. "I just remember the push you to your limits attitude, that self-drive he gave you to be better".
​

​Matthew (Youngy) Young made his AFL debut at Carrara Stadium on Sunday, umpiring the Gold Coast Suns vs Geelong Cats Round 3 AFL match. 
 
Melbourne has been home for Youngy since 2015, umpiring in the VFL, forging a path to the AFL List. Queensland though, will always be home, having started his football journey playing for Jindalee Jaguars. Youngy’s first game playing Australian Rules, was officiated by a first game umpire, our very own VFL Field Umpire Coach, Chris “Farra” Fawcett. 
 
Youngy’s officiating journey began umpiring club football at Jindalee, in 2006, before moving onto Brisbane Juniors. Some of Youngy’s fellow umpiring mates at the time were future AFL umpires Alex Whetton and James Strybos, VFL umpire Chris Melin and state league umpires Ryan Downes and Tyler “Higgo” Higson. 
 
Youngy was considering giving up umpiring before it really got started. This changed following an invite to the State Umpiring Development Squad led by the passionate, quirky personality, Nic “Palmy” Palmer. 
 
Palmy ran things a bit differently. The precocious aforementioned names were on the journey together forming lifelong friendships. Youngy grins broadly when asked to recollect a particular “training” night organised by Palmy. 
 
“One night, we thought we were doing something to do with umpiring, Palmy told us to be at this place. 
“He took us ball room dancing, like lessons!
“We were matched up with these older women and we were doing ball room dancing with them.” Youngy recalls. 
 
“Palmy’s mantra was to get out of your comfort zone. 
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable. 
“It was character building for us, to get ourselves out of our shells.” Youngy surmised. 

Youngy made his NEAFL debut in 2012, umpiring two finals in 2012 and 2013. Sitting the bench for the 2013 NEAFL Northern Conference Grand Final, well-known Queensland names, Aaron Hall, Andrew Stephens, and Jason Baldwin (7th state league grand final) the running umpires. 
 
2014 was somewhat a year of stagnation in the rapid rise thus far. Former AFL boundary umpire, Grant Kent encouraged Youngy to make the move down to Victoria to give VFL Football a crack in a different environment. 
 
With no job lined up or family in Melbourne, Youngy made the leap of faith to follow his AFL dream. Youngy was able to live with fellow Queensland umpire Andrew Stephens who was already on the AFL List at the time. 
 
Queensland State League Field umpires coach in 2013-14, Cameron Nash had moved into the Head Coach role in the VFL in 2015, coinciding with Youngy’s move south. This connection helped to ease the stresses of transitioning into a new environment from interstate. A successful first year in Victoria, Youngy umpired the 2015 TAC Cup Grand Final. 
 
The following years, Youngy dealt with consistent injuries, the worst a 12-week layoff in 2019 due to a grade 3 hamstring tear. 
 
We all remember COVID lockdowns, Victoria having particularly long lockdown stints. After years of injuries, niggles and not getting a full, consistent season, Youngy used the time off as a line in the sand moment. 
 
“I thought, ‘Do I want to keep getting injured or am I going to do something to change it.’” Youngy reflected. 
 
Youngy sourced expert knowledge from fitness coaches, worked to strengthen specific areas of their body which were continually breaking down and started training the house down. The months of training during COVID lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 translated to significant improvement in fitness and strength. Youngy improved his 10km run time from more than 40 minutes (still very impressive) to an elite 35 minutes. 
​

​QAFL Academy Coach David Grogan is thrilled of Furze’s elevation saying, “he has always ticked a lot of favourable boxes as a young umpire – committed, intelligent, highly coachable; but it’s also been his humility and selflessness that has impressed”. 

Asked about the secret to his round 1 success Furze reflected, “Hard work pays off. If you put in the effort, it will pay off at the end of the day”.

Before the game you can expect him to be pumping up to the tune of Call Me by Blondie before walking out for his highly anticipated debut.
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We can’t wait to see Daniel in action this weekend when Redland-Victoria Point take on Noosa, 2pm at Totally Workwear Park. Well done Furzey!
 
- Written by Tyler Higson -

Jimmy’s journey has been one of perseverance, near misses and redeveloping his body and mindset to make it at the elite level. Debuting in state league (NEAFL) football in 2012, Jimmy umpired his first state league grand final in 2016, remaining near the pinnacle of Queensland umpiring since that breakthrough.

Andy and Jimmy had interviews with the AFL late last year. They described the experience as more of a get to know you as a person, discussing strengths and weaknesses etc. than an actual interview.

Following a successful 2022 culminating in the 2022 VFL Grand Final and VFL Umpire of the year, Andy didn’t have to wait long for his chance with several spots opening up on the AFL list. In late October, Andy’s dream became a reality. Phone calls from Jenno (Michael Jennings – AFL Field Umpire Coach) and Chippa (Adam Davis - AFL Umpiring List & Talent Manager​) notifying Andy of the news took a while to sink in.

“It is a bit of a surreal feeling. For myself, it has been a dream for a long time, for it to materialise, it is quite surreal” Andy reflected.

In December, an additional spot opened on the list, Jimmy received a phone call whilst on school holidays on the Sunshine Coast asking if he could interview.
The week before Christmas, Jimmy received the phone call confirming his dream would become a reality.

“I was flying on cloud nine, I can’t believe it has happened, especially with all of the ups and downs over my career and journey.” Jimmy said.

Jimmy and Andy attended the AFL Umpires pre-season camp recently in Coffs Harbour. Spending time with the other umpires on the list, gave both an opportunity for their achievements to sink in and look forward to the upcoming season.
Immersing themselves with the group of experienced household names, including Matt Stevic and Brett Rosebury. The theme of the camp was “Belonging”.

“The one thing that stood out to me on camp, there are no real Alphas, there are definitely leaders, but everyone got on like a house on fire.
“I felt right at home, on the first night, it was fantastic.” Andy said.

Being elevated onto the AFL list in the same year has made the process extra special. The duo were stoked for one another, excited to continue sharing this unique journey together.

“Just push each other to be the best that we can, to hopefully push us both to the highest levels of AFL football.
“Now we are on the list together, I would love to see Andy get finals and go further” Jimmy said.

To go from a step below the AFL to making the list requires significant self-development, overcoming hurdles over the journey and finding a way to consistently perform to an elite standard. Andy and Jimmy have both faced these challenges and grown not only as umpires but as people in the past few years.

Andy has a couple of key messages that have shaped his journey.

“Taking your opportunities when they are given to you, just running with it, making them your own and putting 100% effort in.” Andy explained.

Andy had the opportunity to become an AFL rookie in 2018 when Alex Whetton was elevated to the AFL list following Chris Kamolin’s retirement.

The first couple of years on the rookie list, Andy admitted he took the position for granted, cruising along, thinking the next step would just happen. Andy had overcome a stress fracture in his lower leg in early 2021, missing the AFLW season and much of the VFL season. The extra motivation from missing opportunities in 2021 and a change in mindset propelled Andy to new heights in 2022.

“A lot of it is taking ownership of your game and performances.
“Whether it is reviewing each of my games, each of my errors. What was the root cause of that error, what could I have done to prevent it.”
“Even things like, I need to work on my change of pace.
“Last year, I spent a lot of time working with Farra (Chris Fawcett, Queensland based, VFL coach), working on my change of pace to make a better position on the field.” Andy reflected.

Jimmy identified process and not concerning himself with uncontrollable factors, like scoring systems as a major contributor to being where he is today. Each week, Jimmy keeps his review simple, focusing on consistency.

“What is one thing I can work on for next week, to be more consistent as an umpire and make sure my teammates know, what they are going to get each week.” Jimmy explained.

Jimmy’s fitness has been an area of huge growth in recent years allowing his umpiring to prosper.

“Being a taller, more solid sort of character, I can look different to others when I move around the field.”
“I feel like, the last few years, I have been able to show a consistent side of my running and the way I can move around (the field). Jimmy observed.

Jimmy realises though, that there is still more work to be done.

“It is only the beginning of that journey as well, it gives me a lot of confidence now, that I have overcome the challenges so far. Now, I want to build on it.” Jimmy emphasised.

There are many coaches, peers and mentors along the journey which contribute to a person’s success on the sporting field.

Andy credits Duffy as playing a big role in his umpiring journey. Duffy was Assistant Academy Coach when Andy joined the academy starting a relationship that grew over time. Andy rose to state league footy rapidly, umpiring alongside Duffy, before being coached and mentored by him. Duffy was a constant pillar of guidance and support over the years.

Steve Davis ran the club umpiring program in Aspley when Andy first picked up a whistle. Steve was involved in Brisbane Juniors for several years alongside James Price and Lachlan Chambers.

“Steve had a bigger impact, than he realises on me.
“The way he was able to guide me and lead me into umpiring.
“I probably owe my first couple of years club and junior umpiring to him and the assistance he was able to give.” Andy reflected.

Steve was one of the first people Andy contacted when he received news, he was elevated to the AFL list.
“It is those little things in umpiring, that are really nice.
“Knowing, that you have had an impact on someone else and you have made them proud.” Andy said.

Jimmy’s mentors include AFL Umpire Matt Stevic and current VFL Coach in Queensland Chris “Farra” Fawcett but pays special tribute to his Dad (David).

“My Dad, (was a big influence), he was an umpire himself, he would be the first person to message after a game with, ‘Well Done on this, what about that, kind of questioning, which makes you think a bit deeper at times.’ Jimmy said.

The Queensland AFL community can’t wait to support both Andy and Jimmy in their respective debut AFL matches and wish them long and successful careers.
​​
- Article by Justin Lillecrapp -

High Performance Umpires, Caleb Stephens and Jackson Whittle have spent their Wednesday nights and Sundays giving back to junior umpiring.

Caleb and Jackson spoke of how umpiring has influenced their lives on and off the footy field. This has fuelled their desire to volunteer their time coaching Brisbane Junior umpires at Moorooka this year. The duo has created a positive environment for the next batch of junior umpires, following in their footsteps.

Recruitment and retention of umpires continues to be difficult due to a variety of factors including work and study commitments, health/injury/age related, inadequate support/pay, lack of enjoyment. (ABC, 2022)

“(We try and create) a relaxed environment, keep it fun, get the footballs involved, do some match simulation. We try and create activities that make people want to come to training.” Jackson said.

Both young men spoke of the positive environment their first umpire coaches created, influencing their passion and commitment to umpiring. Lachlan Chambers (Chook), James Price (Pricey) and Steve Davis coached the Brisbane junior umpiring group for several years in the 2010’s.

“I think for me, it was where (Brisbane juniors) I first started and found my love for the game.” Jackson said.
“We had Chook and Pricey as coaches, they had a large impact on me and my direction, I wanted to pass that down and give junior umpires coming through the ranks the same experience.”

Jackson and Caleb made their QAFL Senior debuts in 2022. The journey of coaching has no doubt assisted their personal developments on and off the field.

Jackson received some sage advice from former State League Umpire James Waldorff fuelling his desire to get involved in coaching.

“Something Duff said to me last year. If you can’t explain it to someone else succinctly, you probably don’t know it well enough.
“Having that extra session where I would be explaining to the group, law interpretation or positioning, it would help my game.
“Coaching has accelerated my progression a lot.” Jackson explained.

Caleb says umpiring has improved his skills off the footy field including being able to deal with stressful situations.

“On the footy field, you will see punch ups, you might get abused, it is about staying calm.
“I think going into different, pressure situations in life, if you are having a conversation or argument with someone, you know how to stay calm, and it is a skill you have practiced at footy.” Caleb said.

There is always a need for more umpires across all levels of football. The benefits are vast, from getting paid for being involved in a sport you love, making new friends, getting fitter, learning more about the game and developing your communication skills.

“Umpiring gives you a greater depth and understanding of the game, that you play and watch on the weekend.
“It is a real community; we have made some great friends in the umpiring community.
“It is really rewarding; I think it is something that everyone should have a crack at.” Jackson said.

AFL Queensland Umpiring Development Lead, Sam Bridges, acknowledged the importance of having people like Caleb and Jackson involved in the coaching space.

“Caleb and Jackson have been through that pathway themselves, so they can relate to the umpires coming through the junior system.

“It is such a great opportunity to have relatable, young, developing umpires, who have the energy and passion to develop other people.

“The feedback we have got about Caleb and Jackson in particular, has been outstanding regarding their engagement with the umpires in the group.

Sam’s philosophy is to have coaching tools available and positive environments to allow umpires to develop and enjoy umpiring.

“I think the more people that we can get involved, especially out of our high performance and community programs in junior umpiring, is going to elevate the progression of umpires through our ranks.” Bridges emphasised.
​
- Article by Justin Lillecrapp -

Ty Duncan made a shock, yet deserved AFL debut in Round 2. Just two weeks later, Ty was selected to umpire his first AFLW Grand Final in Adelaide. The prestigious appointments come off the back of a consistently high-quality body of work throughout the AFLW season and last 12-24 months. 

Friday, March 25, was the start of a whirlwind 24 hours for Ty, receiving four miss calls from AFL boundary umpire coach Darren Wilson. 

“I got hold of Darren and he said there is an opportunity because Nick (Swanson) was unable to umpire. They thought I was capable of it.
“It was a real exciting Friday, maybe better to have a day, rather than a week or a month to think about it (AFL debut).” Ty said. 

Ty doesn’t have an AFL contract in season 2022, but his consistent performances gave the coaches, confidence Ty would be up to AFL standard. Ty was appointed to the AFLW final, between Brisbane and Collingwood at the Gabba; his late elevation to the AFL game had a slingshot effect for some fortunate Queensland umpires. 

Delson Jones umpired his first AFLW final at the Gabba, while community umpire Luke Spanner umpired a VFL game. It shows with depth in quality, there are always opportunities for Queensland umpires. 

Gold Coast Suns were playing Melbourne the following day. To umpire the reigning premiers in his first game, and with some of his umpiring mentors, including good friend Peter Bock was extra special. 

“Walking around and you see Max Gawn, the premiers, was pretty cool.
“You see them pretty close when you are at the ground, but to think you are actually doing the game they are playing in was pretty exciting.” Ty said. 

Ty grew up on the Sunshine Coast beginning his umpiring journey in 2014, field umpiring an Under 10s match at Maroochydore. Like many of us, Ty began umpiring to stay involved in the game. 

“I wasn’t very good at playing, I was about to go into Colts, I was pretty small. I had some mates umpiring, Jonathan Angus was, so I joined him.” Ty recalled. 

Ty began boundary umpiring in 2015. It wasn’t long before Ty was identified to join high performance training in Brisbane. Multiple trips down the Bruce Highway each week were the norm. 

From reduced pies in the deli section and chocolate milk at Woolies on the drive home in his teenage years to a more nutritious burrito in recent times, Ty attributed an increase in professionalism to his rise to the top echelons of umpiring. 

AFL boundary umpire Peter Bock has been integral to Ty’s umpiring journey. Peter took Ty under his wing and has been a source of motivation and constant feedback. 

“I started training with Peter who taught me a lot about running. We are always discussing umpiring. 

“He helps a lot with how it is perceived on TV, most games are televised, you want to look sharp on TV.” Ty said. 

Ty would be at Peter’s front door every morning at 6am to run in the preseason. 

“I helped Ty a lot, and spent a lot of time with him, because he wanted to get better. Bit by bit he has improved his 5km time, from 19 minutes to mid 15 minutes in four years.” Peter Bock recalled. 

It is Ty’s growth off the field, which gives Peter immense pride.

“Ty is now a mature young man with great character, he lifts those around him. 
“The future of Queensland umpiring at the elite level is in a good place with Ty Duncan involved, as he will continue to strive to get the best out of himself and those around him.” Peter said.  

Apart from the friendships formed, one of the things Ty loves about being involved in umpiring is the competitive nature it brings out in him. 

“I am still involved in the game, each level when you progress, there is extra incentive to get to the next level.
“I want to be the best, to beat the next person, which translates to game day.” Ty said. 

It is evident why Ty is continually improving his umpiring. Ty has lofty goals for the coming 12 months. These include setting him up to umpire VFL finals and even a shot at an AFL contract for season 2023, after performing admirably in his unexpected debut AFL game. Ty is keeping it simple to improve his game identifying key areas to excel. 

“Consistency with throws, keeping them the same, they are mostly big, just not always perfect, sometimes a little long. Also getting stronger as a runner is always a goal.” Ty explained. 

We wish Ty all the best in his umpiring journey and can’t wait for AFL game number two in the future.

-Article by Justin Lillecrapp-

See also: AFLUA Article