Young Guns Make League DebutThursday, June 27, 2013 - 10:39 AM

WAFL Round 13 saw three field umpires, Nathan Williamson, Trent McPhee and Justin Power make their League debuts. These promotions capped off meteoric rises through the field umpiring ranks for all three debutants.

Nathan Williamson joined the WAFL panel in 2011 after beginning umpiring in the Peel Football League.

His talent was soon identified and he was swiftly promoted to Reserves football, where his strong performances saw him awarded with the 2012 Shadforth Insurance Brokers Rising Star Award.

A strong start to the 2013 season saw Nathan knocking down the door for League selection, which eventually resulted in his appointment to umpire the game between Perth and East Perth.

Speaking after the announcement, Nathan said that it felt like he had “won the lotto”.

“I have been buzzing ever since. Words can’t describe how excited I was. It was the most excited I have ever been, although there were definitely a few nerves.”

Nathan also paid tribute to a number of people who had helped him on his umpiring journey.

“I obviously owe a huge thank you to Darryl Sinclair and Graeme Zanich, as well as all of the other coaches and my fellow umpires. I’d also like to thank the Peel Football Umpires Association for all of their support over the years I was there.

“In addition, former WAFL umpire Matt Kelleher has been a major influence and mentor on my umpiring, and finally mum and dad have been the two most influential people in my life, so I’d like to thank them for all of

their time and support over the years.”

Trent McPhee and Justin Power are generally considered to be something of a double act, as one is rarely seen without the other and they have even been known to sport matching haircuts.

In addition to this, they both started umpiring in the West Perth Junior District, joined the WAFL Panel together in 2012, made their Colts debut in Round 2, 2012, and then their Reserves debuts within a week of each other earlier in 2013.

Now they have also made their League debuts on the same day! Trent was appointed to the Round 13 game be-

tween Claremont and Peel Thunder, while Justin officiated in the game between Subiaco and Swan Districts.

Speaking on the eve of his game, Justin described his emotions upon hearing about his selection.

“I was a bit surprised that my League debut has come so quickly, however, I am extremely honoured to be selected and I’m very excited, although a little bit nervous, about the game on Saturday.

“It’s also great that I can share this milestone with two blokes in Trent and Nathan who have come through the umpiring pathway with me.”

Justin said that the influence of a number of senior umpires and coaches had played a significant role in improving his umpiring over the last two seasons.

“Ever since I’ve been on the WAFL Panel I’ve learnt a lot from simply running with a lot of the senior umpires down here. In particular, I’d like to thank my mentor, Alex Martin, for his advice and support, and I’m really looking forward to umpiring League football with him on Saturday. And of course the coaching I’ve received at the WAFL, headed by Darryl and Graeme, has been fantastic and helped take my umpiring to a new level.”

Trent also expressed surprise and excitement upon hearing about his selection. “I was pretty surprised to make my League debut so soon, especially since I felt that I was only just starting to consolidate my Reserves position. However, this is hopefully the beginning of an exciting phase of my umpiring career, and I can’t wait to get on the ground on Saturday.”

Similar to Nathan and Justin, there were a number of people Trent wanted to acknowledge.

“All the coaches I’ve had so far have helped my umpiring in some way, in particular Darryl and Graeme at the WAFL, and Terry Battle at the Amateurs. Jordy Wright has also been a great mentor over the past few years, and I’d also like to thank Justin Power for being my training partner and best mate. Obviously I wouldn’t be here without my parents, so I want to thank them for all of their love and support.”

When asked to comment on their selection, WAFL Umpire Manager, Darryl Sinclair, had nothing

but praise for the three debutants.

“Nathan, Trent and Justin have umpired consistently well since the beginning of the season. They’ve all progressed through the talent pathway at the WAFL, namely the Michael Ball Talent Academy.

“The strength of this pathway is that age is not a barrier, and these three have met all the standards and benchmarks required and thoroughly deserve their opportunities in League football. I have no doubt that these three umpires are the long term future of WAFL umpiring.”

Photo: Trent McPhee, Mike Ball, Nathan Williamson, Graeme Zanich and Justin Power.