Emerging Emilie’s massive week

By ZAC MILBANK

First came an All-Australian selection, then an AFLW Grand Final appointment.

South Australian Goal Umpire Emilie Hill is relishing the most exciting week of her blossoming career after being recognised for her supreme consistency in 2023.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Hill said she was honoured to receive her first All-Australian nod after selectors stated she ”has been an excellent performer at AFLW level this season.”

If that wasn’t exciting enough, the 25-year-old learned she would be officiating in her first AFLW Grand Final – to be played on Sunday between North Melbourne and Brisbane at Ikon Park in Melbourne.

Making her Hostplus SANFL League debut in 2019, Hill has become a regular fixture between the goals since, culminating in her umpiring with her great friend Georgia Henderson for the first time last season.

And now, Hill and Henderson, named the AFLW Umpiring Rising Star in 2022, will be at either end for the most important AFLW match of the season when the Roos tackle the Lions.

Originally from Clare, Hill started her goal umpiring career in an old-fashioned ”lab coat” waving the flags in the North Eastern Football League.

It was a passion developed from watching her father Mark Hill in action as a field umpire, later joining her Dad in officiating NEFL matches together.

After working between the goals in last year’s Torrens University Cup U18 Grand Final, Hill has steadily risen through the grades since starting with SANFL in 2016.

Off the field, Hill is consumed by studying her Masters of Audiology, opening up a career path to assist a wide age group of people with their hearing.