New era for SANFL Umpiring

By ZAC MILBANK

SANFL is embarking on an exciting new era for umpiring with key appointments and a department restructure as it continues to foster a high-performance culture and growth in numbers.

Following an extensive review into its umpiring department, SANFL has appointed current South Australian-bred AFL Umpires Eleni Tee and Leigh Haussen as joint Umpire Coaches in part-time roles, allowing them to continue their careers at elite level.

After 28 years of distinguished service as SANFL Umpiring Coach, Shane Harris will continue with the League as State Umpiring Manager, overseeing all aspects of umpiring in South Australia whilst assisting with implementing the recommendations of the review.

SANFL Umpiring Talent Manager Jason Brown has been elevated into the newly-created full-time role of State League and Pathways Umpiring Manager.

”We felt this was a great opportunity, on the back of the recent Talent Pathway Review, to ensure umpiring in SA continues to move forward under a stable, long-term structure,” SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig said.

”Shane has made an outstanding contribution to umpiring in SA over the past three decades, acting as a tremendous role model and ensuring South Australia is always represented at the elite level with a pipeline of talent.

”In 2024 we had a total of 2306 umpires registered across the State, representing an increase of 10 per cent on 2023 whilst female umpiring numbers continue to flourish, following a significant participation rise of 36 per cent.

”Coupled with these encouraging statistics, the appointment of Eleni and Leigh ensures our SANFL umpires can continue their development under the guidance of two highly-credentialed field umpires who also began their journey in South Australia.”

Eleni, the first female appointed to officiate as a field umpire in a SANFL and AFL match, said she was excited to nurture the next generation of umpiring talent in her role as State Umpires Coach.

”I’m really excited as I’ve always been really passionate about SANFL, particularly the umpiring space,” Eleni said.

”Leigh and I umpired together in my first SANFL League match so we have always had a great relationship for such a long time, we are really excited to use our different strengths to work together for our SANFL umpires.

”We’ve both loved SANFL footy and what it has represented from an umpiring perspective and now to help in the coaching space, it will be exciting to see what our young umpires can achieve.”

Officiating in 166 SANFL League matches, including six Grand Finals, Leigh – appointed SANFL Umpiring Pathways & Development Coach – has featured in 147 AFL matches since 2017.

”We both obviously came through SANFL so it is really exciting for the umpires to see us both back out at training each week,” Leigh said.

”We came through the ranks here so it’s great for them to be able to see us and think they can follow the same path.”