WFNL APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF UMPIRING

The Western Football Netball League is pleased to announce the appointment of the Lachlan Harty as its new Director of Umpiring (Football).

Lachlan joins the WFNL with an extensive background in umpiring while also most recently working for Cricket Victoria as a Competition’s Manager.

His umpiring experience includes officiating 85 games of Victorian State League football while also umpiring in the first ever AFLW match and the inaugural AFLW Grand Final in 2017.

From 2019 to 2023 he was a State League Boundary Umpires Development Coach with the responsibility of managing the performance and developing more than 70 boundary umpires across three states. His role also involved working closely with the AFL to support the Talent Pathway and the delivery of the Umpiring Academy programs before going on to become a Head Coach with the VFL Boundary Umpires.

He remains involved as a Match Day Boundary Umpire Coach for both the AFL and AFLW and has also previously been a committee member with the Victorian Football Umpires Association.

Away from professional life Lachlan is a Footscray local and has played football at all age levels including three seasons in the WFNL.

Western Football Netball League CEO David Jennings said the League was thrilled to welcome its new Director of Umpiring ahead of the 2025 season.

“Lachlan was highly recommended by his industry peers and with his wealthy of umpiring experience we look forward to him having a positive impact on the League,” he said.