This season Anton umpired his 100th Providoor Premier League Game.
We recently sat down with Anton to talk to him about his umpiring journey.
How did you get into umpiring?
My first involvement with netball was watching my Mum coach my younger sister’s team, and I’d often be watching courtside with Dad. I quickly learnt the fundamental rules and was encouraged by the club Umpires Convenor to pick up a whistle. Her husband was one of a few male Sutherland Shire Netball Association umpires and was one of my first coaches. I quickly learnt that it was something I enjoyed and stuck to it.
You play netball for NSW and have played for the Kelpies, how do you think that experience influences and impacts your umpiring?
Playing at the highest levels of men’s netball has immeasurably improved my umpiring. It has helped shape my understanding of what players can achieve and try to do, but also my ability to read different structures and styles of play. Playing, especially as a shooter, has also assisted with my decision making of when to apply advantage and when to blow the whistle. It has also helped me feel more comfortable with knowing that umpires make mistakes just as players do, and if I can make fewer errors as an umpire than as a player, then I have generally had a good game.
Who has had the biggest influence on your umpiring?
I’ve been very fortunate to have had a lot of great people invest in my umpiring journey. A big early influence was Anne Keir (former Sutherland Shire Netball Association Umpires Convenor) who was a huge supporter and enabler of my progression. At the higher levels, Sharon Kelly OAM and Duncan Lang particularly have been big influences on my umpiring.
What keeps you motivated to keep umpiring year after year?
The fact umpiring was my first involvement with this great sport means there’s a sentimental element at play which keeps me going year on year. It’s also a completely different challenge to playing and I enjoy that distinction. No two games are the same and so there is always something new or different to work on which is refreshing.
Any memorable moments/highlights?
I’ve had a few memorable moments over the years, one being a Metro League Division 1 Preliminary Final. As my co-umpire and I approached the score bench to do our pre-game checks, one of the bench officials predicted extra time – which inevitably came true! I’ve also umpired SSN Preseason games which have been big highlights, as well as SSN curtain raiser games on Ken Rosewall Arena which are always amazing experiences.
Tell us about what you do for work?
I am the Head of Group Accounting for an ASX-listed multinational fintech company, with responsibility for managing a team and looking after various issues within finance – which means work keeps me very busy away the netball court!
What keeps you busy away from work and netball?
I don’t have a lot of spare time between work and my netball commitments (both playing and umpiring), but I am a big sports fan so try to watch a lot of live sport. I am a Collingwood FC fan so try to watch as many of their games as I can within my schedule. I try to recharge by spending time with my close friends and family, even if it’s just grabbing a coffee or sharing a meal, and I like to read a lot.
Learn more about umpiring here
