It’s not just the Tasmania Devils’ new players preparing to take to the oval this VFL season, four Tasmanian umpires will also be officiating in the league.
Goal umpires Mark Holmes and Will Robertson will guard the posts, while Thomas McIntee and Ollie Pye have been selected as field umpires.
Robertson said the appointment marks the biggest step in his umpiring career to date.
“The opportunity to officiate alongside AFL-listed players and umpires will be fantastic for my development to push for an AFL contract,” he said.
“The exposure of umpiring in a national competition also opens connections with umpires and coaches from across Australia.”
Robertson, who has spent four years on the AFLW umpire panel, said representing Tasmania holds special significance.
“As a proud Tasmanian, it’s incredibly special to represent the state on the VFL stage, and to be part of this next chapter in Tasmania’s football journey,” he said.
“To now have a visible pathway in our state for aspiring Tasmanian umpires that doesn’t involve leaving the state is so incredibly exciting.”
Field umpire McIntee said opportunities are expanding across the Tasmanian football landscape.
“It’s a very exciting time to be a part of Tasmanian football, not only for players, but for umpires and officials alike,” he said.
“The opportunities are growing and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Tasmanian footy.”
Queensland-born Pye moved to Tasmania three years ago and said having a clear pathway to the elite level is crucial for developing officials.
“Just as it’s exciting for players to have that pathway, for officials to have that pathway as well,” he said.
“People often have to move to go to that higher level.”
“So to have that opportunity and hopefully that leads to higher representation in the AFL as well.”
