Bumped ump gets GF nod

MATT Stevic, the umpire at the centre of Toby Greene’s latest suspension, will officiate his ninth AFL grand final in the past 10 years and eighth straight decider after a rollercoaster 2020 season.

Stevic was named alongside Brett Rosebury and Jacob Mollison to oversee the clash between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, with Mollison to make his grand final umpiring debut at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday after 14 seasons with the whistle in hand.

Both Stevic (pictured) and Rosebury have umpired over

400 matches each.

AFL Head of Umpiring Dan Richardson praised the trio for their appointment.

Stevic’s appointment comes after he was in the eye of the Greene storm during the GWS Giants’ narrow elimination final victory over the Sydney Swans. Greene appeared to have bumped into Stevic at three-quarter time, and the GWS star was adjudged by the AFL Tribunal to have made intentional contact with an umpire and copped a three-week suspension for his troubles.

Stevic couldn’t deny contact was made, and said: “I don’t think it’s a good look for the game.”