Whilst they are an integral part of the game, the Eastern Football League umpires receive little praise in the wider EFL community. Over the next couple of weeks, we will head into the inner sanctum of the EFL Umpires and find out a little more about some of the characters who officiate EFL matches on a weekly basis.
From players to up and coming youngsters, we will give the EFL public the chance to learn a little more about the stories of our EFL umpires.
The name GENEVIEVE DEVENISH will sit proudly and justly on the EFLUA honour board among some quality individuals, many who have gone on to senior EFL football, and some beyond.
Gen is a delightful young lady who turned up alone and uncertain in the carpark of the Croydon Athletics Track for pre-season training in 2014. What a great decision that was for her and for our club; she has not looked back.
Her first two seasons followed the somewhat traditional progression, with Under 9 & 10 in season 1 and Under 12 & 13 in season 2. There was little to alert us in those first two years that she would explode in her 3rd year.
Opportunity knocked in the form of the Development Team and her off-season fitness work paid off. It was obvious from her attitude and application that she was right to go for round one – and it was straight into Under 15’ss in Round 1 and up into her sought after Under 17’s debut in Round 7.
Gen then became one of 31 junior umpires to progress to Under 19s, Reserves or Seniors this season when she ran out in the Under 19s in July. This was, however, just one of an array of highlights for Gen in 2016… in addition Gen has the following to be proud of; – Member of the Junior Umpire Development Team, which she helped morph into a leadership team – AFL Auskick umpire – AFL Victoria Metro Junior Interleague umpire, nominated emergency for Div 1 Under 14 Grand Final – Running a 3-umpire 17 Premier game – Running the Under 17C Grand Final with two of her closest mates in Abby Moore and Dan Chaston – Running two Under 19 finals – AFL Victoria Female Umpire Academy 2017
Whether it be calling out inappropriate behaviour or taking on Eastern Region Girls games and developing the young players, she has led by example and is a great role model for her peers and I am sure she will continue to be that for some time to come.
We have high expectations for Gen next year and I have no doubt that she will thrive with further coaching and development from us and from AFL Victoria and she will be a great asset to both organisations.
WANT TO BECOME AN UMPIRE?
Anyone interested in becoming an umpire in 2017 (former players, beginners, athletes) contact EFL Head of Umpiring, Scott Van Noordennen at EFL House on 9762 5766 or email svannoordennen@efnl.org.au.