Football extension given green light
from p60
After continuing to referee games through his 20s, he felt stagnant and that he wasn’t going anywhere, but decided to keep at it, which paid off.
By the time he was 25, McLachlan had been selected to ref SEABL games, before heading to the Under 20’s National Championships in Canberra.
“I went as a backup both times to that, so I thought for me it was sort of like a holiday,” he laughed. “I did learn a lot from the other refs there though, three of them are on the NBL panel now, so to learn from them was great,” he said.
The next year though, it wouldn’t be a holiday. McLachlan would get the call up to referee the gold medal match, taking control of the game which had the likes of NBL superstar Mitch Creek playing in it.
He said finding the balance between keeping players calm and making the correct calls were something he spent countless hours working on.
“I think now, I’ve grown a lot as a communicator,” he said. “As I got older I was able to explain things better, it’s sometimes hard because I’ve reffed games that were being coached by Chris Anstey and Andrew Gaze who were my idols, and you’re trying to explain calls, but still make them feel heard without being intimidated,” he added.
He said that he’s had many influences across the journey, but one stands out.
McLachlan’s crowning moment came two seasons ago, when he made the WNBL reffing panel, controlling his first game live on Foxtel.
“That was probably one of my prouder moments. Liz Cambage was playing in that game as well, so it was a great one,” he said.
McLachlan, now 31, said that across his career on the court he’s had many influences who have helped him along the way, including his mother.
“Mum drove me to every game, so I really do need to thank her as well as Kev McLaren and Shane Cruwys. Another one who I think needs some credit is Kayne Jeffries. He’s had a lot to do with development of the refs here over the last few years, he puts in so much time at grass roots level,” he said.
“Seeing referees like Fletcher coming through as well, it’s really encouraging to see him rewarded,” he said.
Fletcher, who began reffing four and a half years ago was named the Junior Male Referee of the Year, explaining it was nice to be recognised in his role.
Having reffed CBL matches and several state title games, he was humbled and happy to be recognised for the award.
“I was stoked, it was a bit surreal to see the hard work paying off. In our job, it feels like it’s hard to appreciate, because 50% of the calls you make, you’re disappointing someone,” he said.
Having just been accredited with a Level 1 status, Smith is hoping he can take his talents as far as it will let him go.
“Refereeing is something I want to take as far as I can really, I want to hopefully one day ref in the NBL,” he said.
For Smith, who is a much younger ref that most at his level, finding the balance of mutual respect between the players, himself and the coaches has been something he’s worked on over the journey.
“I believe that respect and building a relationship with the players and coaches is really important. I’ll introduce myself at the start of the game and ask how they are going, just so they know I do genuinely care,” he said.
Being in the middle of the action is one thing that he loves about his job as well.
“The ref has the best view of the game, so I absolutely love that side of it. The atmosphere can be electric on every call you make,” he said. “My current advisor Caroline Searle and Paul Potter have been a big influence for me, they’ve been great. Kev McLaren and Shane Cruwys as well, I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
Now, both Brodie and Fletcher are awaiting the return of basketball so they can step back on the court, looking to further their careers in the future.
Cricket Victoria and AFL Victoria have announced an agreement that will see community football able to be played further into the year than planned.
The arrangement will see local football leagues have the option to run their home and away seasons right up until September 27, with the grand final to be held no later than October 18.
Usually, football clubs are sanctioned to hand over grounds for the cricket season no later than October 1, however during the coronavirus pandemic, the two organisations struck a deal to see that change.
Warragul and District Cricket Association president Michael Nielson said that the committee will be meeting to discuss various options tomorrow night.
“The meeting will be a major part of discussing all this. The consensus of where we are in the world at the moment, is that we all need to work together on it. We’ll be discussing some options.” Nielson said.
Last year, Round 1 of the WDCA season began on October 5, however, if the football season was to get a green light and push into October, the 2020/21 season would likely begin in November. This would give grounds time to regenerate after the football season, as well as players an opportunity to have a couple of weeks off before commencing their summer seasons.
Nielson said that while cricket was often the poorer cousin of the two sporting fixtures, they still want to find a balance between helping the football season out, but also be sure to get the most out of the cricketing fixture this summer.
“We do want to work something out if it comes to that, but we also don’t want to be walked over as well. Cricket season has the better side of this in the end fortunately, so there’s a fair chance we can start on time,” Nielson said.
The biggest roadblock for league officials will be when football gets the green light, if at all, making it tough for the committee to plan for a Round 1 start date.