Lethbridge teen Liam Clark has seen Australian rules football from two very different perspectives as both a junior player and an umpire. He speaks to Luke Voogt about officiating our great game as local footy seasons begin.
Tell us about you.
I’m 14-years-old and I live in Lethbridge.
I started Auskick when I was four at Geelong Amateurs and I made the move to St Mary’s Sporting Club when I was 12.
I usually play on the wing but I love having a go at kicking goals too. One of the best things about playing footy is being part of a team.
I also sail over the summer and enjoy playing guitar.
How did you become an umpire?
Dad was umpiring for the club while I played junior footy and he wanted to improve his skills, so he joined Geelong Umpires.
I tagged along and found the club really welcoming and fun, so I decided to stay.
My brother also joined soon after, so now all three of us are field umpires. Some of my footy friends have joined the umpires now too, which is great.
How is umpiring going?
I was just starting to get into some older age group games when COVID hit, but I used the time to focus on my running speed and endurance, which made a big difference.
I’m currently in the Community Umpire Talent Academy and I’m hoping to make my local senior debut in the next couple of weeks.
I like the mental and physical challenges of umpiring and getting involved in the game from a different perspective.
Geelong Umpires also have a really fun and supportive training environment. And of course being payed to do what you enjoy is an extra bonus.
I think umpiring and footy go really well together, playing footy has helped my umpiring and vice versa.
I don’t think of umpiring as easy or hard – it’s the same as every sport; you have to train hard to develop the skills you need to become better.
At the same time I think people need to understand that it’s not straightforward. The umpires are always doing their best and, like the players, they’re human and they make mistakes.
It’s always nice after a match to have players and officials come and thank us for our efforts.
What are your favourite things to do locally?
My favourite thing to do in Geelong is watch a game of footy at GMHBA Stadium. I also enjoy running and cycling around the Barwon River and sailing out on the bay.
How are you coping with COVID-19?
I was very glad when remote learning was over. Running every day was probably what really helped me cope through that period.
I was also extremely glad when footy and umpiring started back up again this year.
What’s something that people might not know about you?
My great-grandfather played footy for South Melbourne in 1899 but gave it up to become a national rowing champion.
My grandfather was a member of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics rowing team when he was 16-years-old.
