Garfield’s own All Australian
Garfield residents Thomas Fitzpatrick and Lachlan Brown have returned from successful football campaigns with their respective School Sport Victoria teams.
The Chairo Christian School students were selected to represent their state in Perth and Darwin respectively, with Thomas part of the Victorian under 15 football team to win the title in Perth.
Tom played well in the carnival and his performances saw him selected in the All Australian team.
It continued a breakout season of football for the year nine student, who has made senior appearances for his local club Garfield this season despite still being eligible to play in the under 16 side.
An umpire with local panel Gippsland Umpires Association, Lachlan gained valuable experience officiating the under 12 national titles in Darwin.
Selected in a small team of umpires to make the trip, Lachlan participated in up to three games each day officiating as either a field, boundary or goal umpire, gaining exposure to each team taking part.
With matches played in hot conditions, recovery at the end of the day included ice baths.
Lachlan enjoyed his time at the championships, where he was able to learn from AFL umpire Brent Wallace and highly regarded Northern Territory umpire director Mark Noonan.
Lachlan trialled after being informed by Thomas that SSV were also looking for umpires.
Both followed an arduous trail process, with Lachlan one of five Victorian umpires selected to make the trip.