THE demise in early 2017 of the Kerang-based Northern District Football Umpires Association has proved a blessing in disguise for Emiel Morvell.
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The now 17-year-old was one of handful of his colleagues to join the Bendigo Umpires Association and his career has continued to blossom.
He spent the bulk of last season officiating as a field umpire at senior level in the North Central league.
But on Saturday Morvell will reach a personal milestone when he officiates in his first BFNL senior game at Maryborough’s Princes Park.
The teenager will partner BUA director of coaching Dean Goodridge in the clash between Maryborough and Castlemaine.
It caps a satisfying few weeks for the Year 12 student at Kerang Technical High School, who only last week learned of his inclusion in the Victorian Football League Field Umpires Rookie Squad for 2018.
Morvell is anticipating a ‘big step up’ from the North Central to Bendigo league, but is clearly relishing the challenge.
“I’m definitely prepared for it and will be doing plenty of pre-game stuff the night before,” he said.
“It’s pretty nerve-racking and could lead to another Bendigo league game.
“It’s exciting, but I will have to do well. I’m sure once the ball is first bounced I will be okay.”
The teenager is in his sixth season of umpiring and last year officiated the BFNL under-18 grand final between Strathfieldsaye and Sandhurst.
Morvell believes umpiring alongside one of his mentors in Goodridge should help ease the nerves.
“Dean is amazing, he’s perfect to umpire with,” he said.
“He provides me with feedback after every game and makes sure I work hard during every game.
“I’m pretty glad I made the move to the Bendigo association, I’ve gone further than I would have had I not.”
His inclusion in the VFL rookie squad will take him to Melbourne every second Tuesday for training alongside some of the state’s best umpires.
Meanwhile, a second former Kerang umpire Melissa Sambrooks will make her BFNL debut in the senior clash between last season’s grand finalists Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye at Canterbury Park.
The boundary umpire normally plies her trade in the AFLW and TAC Cup competitions, but with no commitments this weekend, will step in to assist the umpires association she now calls home.
